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online learning

online learning

In an era of digitisation, technological advancements have made a colossal impact on nearly every industry. The education sector, for instance, has gone through major changes following the arrival of the online edtech companies and e-learning platforms. As the e-learning industry in India is projected to reach $1.96 billion by 2021, it is no secret that the 21st-century students are turning towards the digital world to gather additional knowledge outside the classroom. And, with increased usage of smartphones, computers and the Internet, online edtech companies provide them with round-the-clock access to learning materials and expert guidance. This explains why education institutes across the globe are now open to tech-enabled learning tools like MOOCs, gamification, online quizzes, student assessment apps, etc.

However, Indian schools and colleges have been rather slow in adopting new technologies, leaving students often unprepared for future workplaces as we imagine it today.

Especially, at a time, when the country is struggling with issues such as skill-gap and low employability rates, online edtech platforms have emerged as a saviour for students who would have to directly deal with the ever-evolving job environment of today.

While a multitude of factors has contributed to the increased popularity of e-learning, accessibility is a major reason why traditional chalk-and-board education is slowly being replaced by Internet-based smart learning.

Thanks to the unprecedented growth of technology, students can get access to study material, notes and qualified teachers through the edtech platforms when they are unable to attend the class in person. Another major advantage is that they can get the access irrespective of the place or time.

Round-the-clock

This means that if individuals require any assistance even at midnight they can just go through notes or video tutorials with the touch of a button. In fact, edtech companies also allow students to attend live lectures from the comfort of their homes. The round-the-clock assistance, without a doubt, has worked in favour of the students who often find it difficult to ask questions inside overcrowded classrooms.

E-learning is also breaking geographic barriers for those residing in small towns and rural areas, where the scope for higher education is narrow. The education system in tier-II and tier-III cities in most cases is not well-equipped to support students who aspire to achieve big. There exists a huge gap in providing them with the right study materials and mentorship beyond the classroom. This is where edtech companies come in with their extensive offering for students that range from unlimited learning materials to video tutorials. Moreover, through these online platforms, they can take mock tests and understand their state of progress.

In addition, edtech companies are enabling students to have a personalised learning experience and better self-assessment through the implementation of new technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmentation reality, big data, virtual reality and sophisticated gamification. Unlike the online learning platforms a few years ago, the new-age edtech companies are making use of predictive analysis and algorithms to enhance students’ learning experience as well as performance. This is leading the country’s youth to be more skilled and employable.

(The author is founder Adda247)