As we navigate the 21st century, the days of dusty chalkboards and tattered textbooks are giving way to a new era of learning, one that is as diverse as the nation it serves and characterised by its personalised and dynamic nature.
Amid this transformation, a crucial question emerges: How can we adapt online school education to meet the diverse needs of our students? The solution lies in personalised education, where technology transforms the traditional one-size-fits-all approach into an enriching learning experience.
According to an IBEF report, the Indian EdTech industry is estimated to grow by 39.77%, reaching $4 billion by 2025, which was worth $750 million in 2020. This advancement has been spurred by rising demand for academic and non-academic courses, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities and small towns, and the need for personalization in the EdTech industry.
India, with its vast population and diverse learning needs, faces a unique challenge in providing quality education to every child. Traditional classrooms often struggle to accommodate the individual pace and style of learning that each student requires.
The advantages of personalised online education are manifold. Firstly, it allows students to learn at their own pace. In a country as diverse as India, where students come from various socio-economic backgrounds, this flexibility is essential. Students in rural areas, for instance, may have limited access to resources or face interruptions in their education due to external factors like seasonal labour. Personalised online education can bridge these gaps, ensuring that students can catch up on missed lessons and progress at a pace that suits them.
Secondly, personalised education can cater to different learning styles. Some students may excel in visual learning, while others may prefer hands-on experiences. With technology, educators can curate content that includes videos, simulations, interactive exercises, and more, allowing students to engage with the material in a way that resonates with them.
Moreover, personalised online education promotes inclusivity by accommodating the needs of students with disabilities. This means tailoring learning materials to suit each student, be it through text-to-speech software for the visually impaired or interactive simulations for those with cognitive disabilities.
In India, initiatives like the National Education Policy 2020 have recognized the importance of personalised learning and the role of technology in achieving it. The NEP emphasises the use of technology in education, the creation of a National Educational Technology Forum, and the development of adaptive learning platforms.
Nonetheless, realising the full benefits of personalised online education entails addressing several challenges. Foremost among these challenges is bridging the digital divide, which is of utmost importance. Not all students have access to the internet and necessary devices, making it imperative to prioritise efforts to reduce this disparity. Government initiatives and public-private partnerships have a pivotal role in ensuring that every student gains access to the required technology.
Furthermore, teacher training is indispensable. Educators must be equipped with the skills to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms and analyse student data to inform their teaching strategies. Continuous professional development programs can aid teachers in adapting to the evolving educational landscape.
Way forward
In conclusion, as we stand at the threshold of a new era marked by the advent of AI and emerging technologies, the trajectory of tech-enabled personalised online education in India is set for an even more profound transformation. While these cutting-edge technologies hold immense promise, it is important that we approach them with an understanding of their limitations and recognize that these AI-powered tools are not meant to replace the expertise and judgement of our educators; instead, they should be embraced as supportive allies in enriching the educational journey for both teachers and students.
As we envision this future, we can foresee a landscape where education becomes not only more effective and equitable but also profoundly personalised. After all its true potential lies in its ability to cater to the diverse needs of our students, ensuring that no child is left behind on the path to knowledge and growth.
About the author: Taruna Maheshwari, CEO has been a part of the Ajeenkya DY Patil Group for 16 years, and had essayed the role of the Group Chief Finance Officer. She holds post-qualification employment of over 23 years in Education, MNC, Manufacturing, Real Estate & Infrastructure, with varied experience in financial control & accounting, business strategy & planning and financial analysis. Taruna was honoured with the prestigious Woman CFO 'Innovation Leader of the Year Award' at the Indian CFO Summit in 2021.
