The proliferation of digital tools like apps, tablets, laptops further transformed a learner’s communication process. A simple chalk & talk lesson matured into engagement, collaboration and feedback, writes Bhola Meena, CEO & Founder, OnlineTyari, for Elets News Network (ENN).
There was a time when the state of the Indian education system was significantly dismal and bleak. Multiple issues ranging from an obsolete syllabus, lack of practical learning, shortage of quality educators, and so forth were forming the crux of it all. Everything was conventional and outdated. But, in the last couple of years, one could unexpectedly see educational efficacy evolve digitally with each passing day. E-learning acted as the most ideal catalyst that brought about an equitable approach to high-quality education. Not only did it provide unlimited teaching and learning opportunities, but improved student’s learning, participation and innovation tremendously.
Did you know 5.8M students enrolled in online courses in 2016? This is a 263% increase over the last twelve years, making India the third largest online learning market with 1.3 million learners right after the US and China. There is no denying that e-learning is gaining immense popularity in India by the day. It is bringing about a change into the lives of multiple Indians by transforming the Indian educational system, here’s how:
Advancement into the Hinterland: Breaking barriers is one thing, and the ability to consolidate education and training across geographical constraints is another. E-learning has penetrated into the Indian hinterland owing to the affordable high-speed Internet as well as access to smart-phones. Students are getting empowered to get quality resource and education, anytime, anywhere. Improved connectivity and digital payment access have further aided the concept of education for all.
Cost Effective and Time effective: There was a 175% increase in the cost of education from 2008 to 2014. This made the online space the most cost-effective place for learners to hone new skills, supplement for school learning, prepare for competitive exams or even take up non-academic subjects. Courses online are 53% cheaper than offline alternatives. Along with that ardent learners are also able to save ample time lost in travelling from one place to another. They can simply log on to their devices and leverage the benefits of e-learning no matter where they are.
Quality Education: Online learning is an apt platform to present a world-class learning experience to the ever-expanding student and workforce. There is no denying that each year a limited number of seats are available at leading universities. Many lose out on them as well as on the chance of getting quality education. However, online education has changed this phenomenon. Many online websites have opened up access to live and interactive, anywhere learning in collaboration with premier management schools. The faculty is best in class and the students gain knowledge from seasoned stalwarts across industries. Simple to use interface, virtual field trips, email, virtual labs, electronic textbooks, and free online resources are giving them excellent global educational experiences.
Personalised Learning: personalized e-learning enables learners to customize a variety of the elements involved in their education process. From modified schedules, drawing up lessons and activities to setting own goals, everything is as per the individual student’s needs. This unique learning approach has transformed the educational system and helped provide individualized and differentiated instruction to each learner making the experience richer with improved learning results.
Hybrid channel Approach: Many e-learning centers have adopted an O2O strategy. It is an Online to Offline strategy whereby by roping in some of the best local coaching institutes, independent tutors and publishers, students receive a simulated experience in their learning. This strategy is a big deal for the educational system. As it ensures that every student struggling to get digital access or the best study material and preparation tips outside metro cities do not suffer.
E-learning is an extremely revolutionary concept that has the potential to disrupt the Indian education in a million ways. With each point showcasing more benefits than the other, they are together churning out a better learning environment for the learners and teachers. It is also vital to understand that the scope of online education is not just limited to online tuition alone. It has diversified and evolved into categories like Test preparation, Re-skilling and online certification, higher education and casual learning. These not only drive user engagement but also increase knowledge acquisition amongst learners. With a high demand in Government and bank jobs, a number of people are looking at adopting the test preparation scope in order to achieve success in competitive exams. This category is estimated to be the fastest growing category in 2021 growing at a CAGR of 64%. Re-skilling and certification have opened a plethora of opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals. It has provided wings to their career aspirations, by enabling them to plan their future course of action and fast track their careers. Working executives keen on embracing change and enhance their vocation can opt for online certificate courses and programs that will enable them to acquire new skills.
There is no longer a barrier to learning. Continuous life-long learning is what the future of online learning holds for the educational system. As it gains acceptance amongst the learner base within the country the scope for innovation and expansion of product offerings also increases. Artificial intelligence and Big Data analytics will soon set forth in this sector to create massive educational digital footprints. While the former will make discovery of learning more accessible, suggestive and informative; the latter will drive purchase behaviour based on past usage of learning modules.
Overall there is no denying that e-learning has permeated nearly all levels of learning for students and professionals. And since it is no longer restricted to any sort of boundary, it is imperative to say that this platform is an essential tool that is transforming the Indian education system for good.
