How Government Schools Have A Proactive Approach To Digitisation

Education plays a vital role in creating a well-unbiased society. The education system in India has evolved significantly over the period in response to changing requirements and demands. It is indeed an undeniable fact that the global pandemic outbreak has disrupted the very foundation of the education system.

Ever since then, digital adoption has picked up the pace, pushing the emergence of digital solutions at the forefront. Hence, edtech platforms have stepped up to be a blessing in disguise and are leaving no stone unturned in upscaling the education sector. They leverage the online space to enhance the students' learning experiences and ensure that there are no disruptions or gaps in the learning-teaching process. However, it is not just the private institutions or public schools that have adopted edtech platforms. The government has also pro-actively embraced the edtech solution providers and has enabled online learning to be accessible for all! One of the main reasons that digitalisation has picked up pace in Government schools was prompted by the pandemic which left no other choice to continue students’ education but the technology adaptation. Initially, it was a tough task given the lack of gadgets & digital infrastructure with the students, complete digitalisation was still distant in Government-run schools. Even edtech brands could not cater to Government schools 100 per cent because of the unavailability of supporting infrastructure. Today Government has been working relentlessly towards executing the right digital infrastructure & availability of digital content & resources for the Government schools to deliver consistent education to students.

Government schools adopting digitisation

The government has taken a big leap in implementing technology in the education system to amplify the digital transformation of schools & colleges. Technology has certainly solved one of the biggest problems of the Government in making quality education accessible to remote, tier2 & tier 3 cities. Their work on strengthening the infrastructure required for the Edtech to function has resulted in the growth of technology-enabled education in rural & remote areas. Also, the easy availability and accessibility of affordable smartphones and internet connections have played a vital part in adopting digitisation so rapidly. As a result, even the rural population has access to high-end educational experiences without them having to leave or relocate to other areas. It is due to digitisation that the education system, as well as the educational experiences, have upscaled significantly. Hence, the quality of education in India is expanding, and many children are gaining better academic results. The difference technology is making in the education in rural & remote areas does not only reflects in the ratio of education but also encourages the students to learn from the best. Access to the best of the content, resources & courses helps in bridging the gap between the urban & rural education quality. It is joining the students from far remote areas with the mainstream education thus opening a plethora of opportunities & paving the way for development & growth. This is the major reason why the government is attempting to encourage online learning through various campaigns and initiatives.

Taking this vision forward, various schemes have been devised to improve the standard and style of training and instruction through digital technology. The Indian Government has established programs like National Digital Education Architecture (2021-22), PM eVidya Programme & Nishtha to strengthen digital infrastructure, support educational planning activities & focus on the holistic advancements of the Teachers & schools. It also emphasised the fact that the digital enablement of education will only be successful if Teachers are well versed to utilise the resources & deliver the desired outcome in classrooms. Many state governments have also undertaken initiatives to send a few instructors to enhance the education sector & train the teachers promptly to keep them abreast with the technological changes. It empowers them to make education engaging, updated & accessible to learners.

Not only education, but the impact of digitisation has also worked wonders in terms of skill development & employment opportunities. There are courses available online for technical & nontechnical skill development courses which give them chance to learn & get a job easily.

Reliance on edtech in schools

Because of evolution, every sector is gradually adopting technology, and the education system in India is increasingly relying on edtech platforms for seamless educational experiences. This is the reason why they are now recognised by not only private schools but government schools as well. The government educational institutions are relying on such solutions to ensure superior educational experiences for the students.

The quality of education in government schools possesses the potential for growth and needs efforts to be at par with the global level. However, technology has emerged to be a key enabler paving the way for digital disruptions in the sector. As a result, education is now becoming accessible for all. Since treading on the path of digitisation is benefitting the government educational institutions at various levels; they are keen to embrace the edtech platforms with open arms.

Kiran Dham

Guest Author The author is CEO of Globus Infocom