Education platforms, abbreviated as Edtech, refer to the use of technology for educational purposes. Technological tools are used to enhance the quality, presentation, and delivery of education for better learning experiences. A sharp turning point came during the time of COVID-19, which shifted traditional blackboards to smartboards and smartphones. While Edtech platforms have many advantages, they also face challenges in equity, attention, and human connection.
Students represent the future of the nation, and this future is moulded through education and awareness. As a progressive country, India should broaden the utilisation of Edtech platforms to elevate its educational standards. The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a transformative era in digitalisation, particularly in the education sector. During the lockdown, educational institutions relied on Edtech platforms to facilitate learning. This period marked a transition from conventional classrooms, chalkboards, and erasers to smartboards, educational applications, and AI tutors.
In the past, education relied heavily on classrooms, blackboards, and textbooks. However, as technology advanced, we have now transitioned to a single device that encompasses all these elements. A digital device can fulfil various functions, from delivering information to offering explanations. In the late 20th century, the introduction of computers marked a significant step forward. As the internet expanded, it brought about numerous innovative opportunities and solutions that began to replace traditional educational methods.
Advantages of Edtech Platforms
Edtech platforms significantly impact education by overcoming social and geographical barriers. Students from remote villages can access the same content as those in urban areas. Likewise, a student in the Himalayan region can utilise these platforms just as easily as one living near the coast. The resources available on these platforms are thoughtfully curated, offered in various regional languages, and tailored to suit different age groups. They also include useful features like text-to-speech, subtitles, and visual aids.
Traditional education often prioritises completing the syllabus without considering individual learning paces and timelines. In contrast, digital learning allows students to pause, skip, or repeat material as needed, ensuring no one falls behind. Engaging elements such as animated videos, gamified lessons, and virtual labs enhance the learning experience, making it enjoyable and interactive. Subjects like science and math benefit from these visual tools, which provide practical knowledge and interactivity.
While some view Edtech as a threat to teachers, it has proven to be a valuable support system for them. The aim should be to leverage technology in education to make learning accessible to everyone. The greatest advantage of Edtech platforms is that they have dispelled the misconception that learning is limited by age. These platforms enable elderly individuals, including those in their 70s and 80s, to acquire new knowledge and grow. They pursue their learning passions with such enthusiasm that they can rival younger generations. Recent instances have shown that not only are they engaging in studies, but they are also successfully passing their exams.
Challenges Faced by Edtech Platforms in India
In India, one of the primary obstacles is ensuring that Edtech platforms are accessible to all. Factors such as poverty, lack of education, insufficient infrastructure, and limited digital awareness create significant barriers. A substantial portion of the Indian population remains uneducated, which often leads to a lack of emphasis on their children’s education. Furthermore, many rural areas suffer from unreliable internet connectivity. Economic constraints also prevent families from investing in digital learning opportunities.
Additionally, there is a widespread lack of digital awareness, with many individuals holding outdated views regarding smartphone usage. In several villages, female students face restrictions on using phones, as their parents believe it contradicts cultural values and may jeopardise their integrity. However, this perspective is rooted in deep-seated patriarchal norms and gender inequality.
Another challenge is that students miss out on the joy of learning in a physical classroom environment, including the sharing of meals, fostering empathy, and forming meaningful connections with teachers and peers.
Students in schools are minors, which raises concerns for educators, parents, and society regarding the type of content they access. While informed parents can monitor their children's activities on digital platforms, those who are less aware may expose their kids to safety risks. It is essential to educate children and encourage them to be conscious of the content they engage with, prioritising learning materials.
Another major concern involves issues of privacy and data security. It is essential to prevent the mishandling and misuse of personal information on Edtech platforms. Safeguarding the digital footprint of children must be prioritised.
Human Connection in Education
Essentially, education goes beyond mere formulas, memorised answers, and textbooks; it also encompasses empathy, collaboration, creativity, and the essence of being human. We should consider whether digital screens can truly substitute for the invaluable support that a teacher provides. Technology ought to be viewed merely as a tool rather than a replacement for human interaction. Education should not be limited to rigid structures and presentations; it transcends conventional metrics because it inspires us, evokes a sense of wonder, encourages contemplation, builds confidence, and transforms us from social beings into fully realised humans.
Conclusion
In summary, it is undeniable that Edtech platforms have significantly changed the landscape of education. However, it is essential to consider whether we are ready to address the challenges and issues they introduce. We need to equip ourselves to respond to the needs of our evolving world. Edtech platforms represent a revolution in education, and we must acknowledge their integration into the curriculum. Rather than rejecting this technology, we should focus on finding the best ways to use it effectively.