Introduction:
Digital education is revolutionizing the way students learn and acquire information in India, as it leverages technology and digital gadgets to facilitate learning.
The Indian Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education for all students, even in remote regions, highlights the significance of integrating technology in the education sector. This move aims to democratize education and eliminate disparities in access to learning resources.
Body:
Expectations from digital and technical applications in education:
The primary expectation from digital and technological applications in education is to overcome various constraints and divides, such as limited access to educational resources, geographical distances, time limitations, language barriers, financial limitations, and individual learning preferences and styles.
These applications can provide teaching and learning materials for teachers while offering management tools for administrators. They enable individuals to balance work and education simultaneously, broadening opportunities for skill development and growth.
Digital and online learning has played a crucial role in bridging educational divides and reducing the overall cost of education.
Various applications, such as attendance management systems, student tracking tools, facial recognition technology, 3-D modeling, 3-D printing, QR coding of books, and assistive technologies for students with special needs, have positively impacted different aspects of the education sector.
Challenges posed by increased use of digital and technological applications:
The digital divide is widening, with some individuals having access to digital learning while others do not, exacerbating existing disparities in education.
Overreliance on technology may lead to reduced physical exercise, group work, playtime, and in-person interactions among students, raising concerns about the implications on social development.
Examples of digital and online School Education schemes in India:
PM eVidya, launched as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Programme, aims to provide multi-mode access to education through digital, online, and on-air platforms.
DIKSHA, the ‘One Nation One digital platform’ for school education, offers a repository of eBooks and e-Contents created by States/UTs and national-level organizations to facilitate knowledge sharing.
SWAYAM and National Digital Library are other initiatives that promote online education and provide vast learning resources for students.
Conclusion:
National-level initiatives like UDISE+, Divyan, SWAYAM, and Diksha are commendable programs, but integrating them further can enhance their functionality, ease of use, and awareness among users.
There is a growing need to develop technology-based solutions for skill development, socio-emotional learning, career counseling, and single-window applications for institutions and student scholarships and examinations. Emphasizing these aspects will contribute to a more comprehensive and effective digital education ecosystem.