Schools have always been the only way to education until Ed-tech stepped in, making learning easily accessible and cost-effective.

Education is a key foundation of long-term success. Every parent ensures the best quality education for their kids to promote a better quality of life in the future. However, it sometimes costs substantially higher on the pocket. Since the times are fast-forwarding with innovations coming out as solutions, education technology is intervening with smart classes, accessible sources, and affordability. The Indian education system is valued globally, known to transform a nation, improvise financial structures, and be an anchor to knowledge.

Today, India is also one of the largest ecosystems of Ed-tech startups. Many educators and courses were inaccessible earlier due to geographical gaps. Technology is diluting this barrier by making distanced just a number. Educators from cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Lucknow, etc are now available for top-notch lectures within one click. Age should never be a barrier to learning. Platforms like Unacademy and Upgrad provide professional certification courses even for individuals who are taking classes along with their jobs.

Technology in the coming years will become more efficient and convenient for people who can’t afford traditional channels of learning. With a lower rate of illiteracy, the nation will upskill. The government doesn’t necessarily have to spend on educational infrastructures in the future if technology takes over the education department.

Impact of COVID-19

The ed-tech industry faced three major barriers in India including:

Lack of trust in the online mode of education
Resistance from schools and parents
The limited reach of electronic devices and the internet

Covid-19 resolved most of these circumstances by acting as a catalyst. Due to no other choice at hand, during the outbreak, many educational institutions resorted to technological solutions. Many Ed-tech platforms, like Simplilearn, became collaborators with offline institutions in this process. Understanding the new normal, parents also adapted to the Ed-tech revolution and started subscribing to platforms like Global Shiksha, Khan Academy, Toppr, Byjus, etc to provide educational help for their children. An extra mile is being covered in quality education via mobile phones, computers, and internet availability.

Impacting lives of millions

In more than one way, online education is presenting itself as a boon to the education sector. Online education is highly productive and effective with the use of visual aids, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. Learning is becoming creative. The goal of the current quality education system is to evolve from learning to understanding at the maximum possible rate. The online platforms are not only easy on the budget, but geared up to solve any doubts arising in a child during an ongoing session.

One-on-one interactions are more open via Ed-tech platforms. Children who are shy to clarify their doubts or ask a question twice in offline classrooms find themselves open to discussions online. Gaining deep insights into each topic provides an additional edge. In the pressing times of pandemic, social anxiety might affect the minds of many. Instead of being burdened by “what next”, a student can resort to online education in the comfort of their home, at a preferred time. This freedom of education is new and exciting.

Not to mention, many individuals were unaware of the availability of high-quality education online before Covid-19. The courses available in traditional modes at hefty charges cost half or lesser via online channels. Affordability is taking the driver’s seat. Children comprehend various topics at a conceptual level now.

Additionally, modern education is considerably improving the education accessible to part-time students with better integration and interactions. Distance learning material is available to a wide range of audiences. Although all the aspects of traditional education cannot be covered in online education, additional tools and resources aid the system within full capacity. Students show more inclination towards face-to-face learning environments, despite the love for online learning. Employers have shown more acceptability for online education recently. Statistics suggest, kindergarten students that use Tablets, pads, etc have a higher level of learning than non-users.

Similarly, According to a study conducted by the University of California, medical students using iPads show 23% better scores on national exams than non-users. The benefits of app-based learning are covering every segment despite age group. Online education is a great prospect of networking for students worldwide, with help of education forums, chat groups, and emails. Guest lectures, seminars, and events from around the world are giving new insight into the education segment. The interconnectivity is improving, opening gates for better opportunities tomorrow.

Trends in Ed-Tech industry

The growth of Ed-tech is extremely dynamic in India. Companies have to be open to change and move with current trends to sustain in the market.
The sector already holds high standards as early Ed-tech startups raised considerable capital amounts, improving the quality of education. The bar is raised very high. Any new start-up needs to match the standards to stay relevant.
Non-competing companies are collaborating under the broad umbrella of Ed-tech to provide better services. Companies are outsourcing services like Note creation, software building, video learning, etc. The power of co-creation is leading to success.
The New Education Policy (NEP-2020) pulled necessary strings in education by allowing technological interventions. A new ray of rising for the Ed-tech industry in India.

An era of growth

As Suspected, despite all the downsides of Covid-19 that halted education in the smaller run, the benefits are taking off in a new era of growth and better development. Rural areas, where education access and quality were poor, are now equally exposed to great educators. Classes are available 24/7 saving a lot of commuting time. Online education uplifts problem-solving abilities by boosting personal interaction.

Overall, online education is improving the literacy rate globally. The students have to self-motivate themselves to engage in this mode of education. Ed-tech will remain relevant even post-covid. The market is established for better opportunities. A majority of students are highly satisfied with online education. The future of Ed-tech is bright and promising. Indeed, online education will open gates of progress like never before.