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(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Digital Education in 21st century: Positive Outlooks and Challenges

(AUGUST-2024)

Digital Education in 21st century: Positive Outlooks and Challenges

Context:

Digital technology has had a significant influence on education in the twenty-first century. The ultimate result of this influence has been the revolution of pedagogy and education due to the adoption of digital technology in the social, political, and economic spheres of society. Nowadays, learning is more strategic and focuses more on virtual collaboration and learner-centric learning.

As a result, teachers no longer serve as knowledge sources but rather as learning facilitators. Traditional classroom lectures are no longer the only way that people can learn. Emerging technologies have made knowledge instantly available and being disseminated on an exponential scale. As a whole, schools have not only included technology as a crisis management tool but have also incorporated it into their existing curricula. Teachers can therefore use online learning as a potent teaching tool.

These 10 recommendations are:

Consider the ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Education as an utmost priority
Rapidly provide an overall regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence in Education
Create effective public-private partnerships
Ensure that all students and teachers have access to the latest technology
Expand AI literacy efforts
Attempt to correct algorithmic biases and the resulting discrimination
Improve public trust in Artificial Intelligence
Request the private sector to better involve students and educationists in developing AI products
Place ownership of data with the students
Embrace the versatility of Artificial Intelligence in Education systems

Positive Outlook

Technology will revolutionise education in this context and beyond because it offers students real-world experience, an audio-visual learning environment, makes studying more enjoyable, a virtual library of knowledge, more tools for teachers, and more interactive learning environments. In this context and beyond, technology will be the imminent of education as it gives practical experience for the future, provides an audio-visual experience, makes studying less boring, a treasure trove of unlimited information, gives additional tools to teachers, and builds more interactive and instils collaborative spirits towards learning. The benefits envisaged for digital education are as follows:

First, a greater number of population can now access high-quality educational resources thanks to digital education, which has democratised learning. The availability of lectures, study materials, and interactive sessions to students from all across the nation has been made possible by the widespread use of smartphones and reasonably priced internet, leveling the playing field in terms of education.
Second, pupils’ inventiveness and originality are encouraged by digital education. Immersion learning opportunities that foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are offered by interactive simulations, multimedia information, and virtual laboratories. Students are more equipped to meet the changing needs of the modern workforce, which values flexibility and creativity, thanks to this.
Digital platforms also make personalised learning sessions possible. Learning materials can be customised using adaptive learning technologies to fit each student’s unique learning preferences and speed. This way, no student is left behind. This tailored strategy improves understanding and recall, which boosts academic performance.
Moreover, digital education allows for worldwide collaboration and knowledge sharing across national borders. Students can work on projects with peers from other nations, take part in international webinars, and be exposed to a variety of viewpoints, all of which can help them develop a more global perspective.
Ultimately, lifelong learning is supported by digital education. Professionals can reskill and upskill online, keeping up with the rapidly changing demands of the industry and quick breakthroughs in technology. Online courses and certificates facilitate this process. This culture of ongoing learning improves job opportunities and boosts the economy.

Challenges

First of all, there is still a digital divide, uneven distribution of ICT access, a lack of digital literacy, particularly in the community, impedes the growth of digital learning nationwide and presents additional monitoring challenges. Underprivileged groups are still unable to obtain dependable internet access and gadgets. This discrepancy makes educational injustices worse and prevents digital learning initiatives from reaching a wider audience.
Second, there is still effort to be conducted to ensure the reliability and quality of online instructional materials. It is vital to select and validate trustworthy sources due to the deluge of information available on the internet. To maintain educational standards, educators and legislators need to put strong procedures for quality control and content monitoring in place.
Furthermore, a paradigm change in instructional strategies and teacher preparation is required for digital education. For teachers to successfully incorporate technology into the classroom, extensive professional development programs are necessary, as many find it difficult to adjust to digital tools and pedagogies. Subsequently, there are significant risks associated with cybersecurity for digital education systems.

Initiatives Taken to Expand Digital Education:

1. Enhancing and Strengthening the Scope of ICT under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Samagra Shiksha, the largest Centrally Sponsored Scheme for School Education in India not only provide support for ICT and smart classroom to both Government and Government Aided schools in all states and UTs but also has provisions for making quality e-contents for students and teachers. The scheme is also providing financial support to States and UTs for developing quality e-contents under DIKSHA. Technology will be able to create lifelong learners who can figure out what concepts children need to learn, unlearn and relearn at various stages of life to live sustainably in a green, regenerative future.

2. National Digital Library (NDL) - Rashtriya E-Pustakalaya: This is a pioneering digital library platform which aims to enhance the accessibility of non-academic books for children and adolescents across India. This platform will provide round-the-clock access to books, overcoming geographic limitations. The digital library aims to resolve the ‘last mile’ accessibility issue for many by offering over 10,000 books in more than 100 languages within the next 2-3 years. Currently, over 1,000 books in 23 languages are available. The initiative, expected to bridge the digital divide, will ensure books are accessible anytime and anywhere, promoting healthy reading habits among youth. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

3. e-Jaadui Pitara (https://ejaaduipitara.ncert.gov. in): Learning Teaching Materials in the form of Jadui Pitara as well as the Digital version of Jadui Pitara have been developed. This is a play-based Learning Teaching Materials for children in the age group 3 to 8 years. It comprises of playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flash cards, story books, as well as reflecting the local culture, social context and languages. It is designed to pique curiosity and accommodate the diverse needs of learners in the foundational stage.

4. PM e-Vidya ‘DIKSHA’: DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) is a national platform for school education. DIKSHA has been adopted by almost all the States/UTs, central autonomous bodies/boards, including CBSE and NIOS. DIKSHA can be accessed by learners and teachers across the country. Each state/UT leverages the DIKSHA platform in its way, as it has the freedom and choice to use the varied capabilities and solutions of the platform to design, develop, disseminate e-contents and run capacity building programs for teachers, learners and administrators.

Conclusion

In conclusion, digital education has the potential to completely transform Indian education in the twenty-first century. India can fully utilise digital education to empower future generations and propel socioeconomic progress by bridging the digital divide, ensuring content quality, improving educator readiness, supporting cybersecurity measures, and encouraging holistic development. India can lead the way in creating an innovative, robust, and inclusive education system in the digital era if all stakeholders work together, including educators, legislators, parents, and technology providers.