Trends That Would Shape Education Sector In The New Normal
Of all the sectors disrupted by the pandemic, education in India scripted a transformation not many had fathomed before. With laptops and mobiles becoming enablers of modern learning, technology expanded its footprint and altered the definition of ‘classrooms’ forever. As online education gained prominence world over, it led to a meteoric surge in e-learning and spectacular expansion of the Indian ed-tech sector.
As schools in India gradually resume operations, a Brainly survey reveals that over 70% of Indian students are attuned to online learning resources now. They, along with their parents now recognize the assurance and innovation of edtech and its ability to supplement on-ground learning experiences. With over 264 Million school going children in India and an estimated valuation of $225 Billion by 2025, the education sector is up for massive growth and the following trends are likely to headline this expansion -
Tech It Out: Needless to say, technology had a monumental role in shaping the norms of education in the last two years. Despite initial hiccups, digital adoption in learning witnessed a surge and transformed the way students learn. Edtech platforms emerged as a catalyst helping students with doubt solving and clearing their educational queries. Not just students, but tech based solutions also benefited teachers helping them improve and tailor make delivery mechanisms that drive value and impact.
However, technology’s biggest upshot has been standardizing the right to quality education. Internet penetration and declining data prices offered access to high quality learning even in the remotest corners of India, without students having to relocate or lose access to basic education. The next leap of digital transition will stem from these Tier 2, 3 and beyond cities comprising over 500 Million individuals, often known as the Next Half Billion (NHB). It is anticipated that this NHB sector will propel K12 growth in India which promises huge potential for edtech brands to bring more economical and user-friendly solutions.
Accessibility and personalization: Another pioneering benefit of online education has been improved access and customization for holistic development. Beyond their immediate doubt solving needs, students today are exposed to an exhaustive plethora of information online which was not a possibility earlier.
This improved access has been aided by quality and personalization. The absence of a ‘one for all’ approach has allowed students with varying sensibilities and skill sets to pursue digital education and leverage resources that add value to their academic goals. Even students with disabilities can benefit from modern tech based tools and continue their learning practices.
Newer formats - Gone are the days when education was confined to the classrooms. Modern learning experiences are defined by newer technologies and tools that stir curiosity and boost engagement among students, motivating them to focus more. Infusion of VR, AR, voice search and automation in training modules are likely to increase going forward, creating a more immersive experience for students. Even tools like gamification, podcasts and audiobooks would continue to garner attention as alternative learning mechanisms.
Language of comfort - Significance of language in education can’t be emphasized enough. In a culturally diverse nation like ours, learning in one's own language imparts confidence, understanding and personalization. While traditional schooling is bereft of this benefit, edtech companies are increasingly focusing on diversity in terms of languages to extend their footprint. On Brainly education App, the world’s most extensive knowledge base is available across Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, and Sanskrit for Indian students.
Hybrid - Understandably, classrooms won’t ever be the same again. According to industry estimates, over 90% of parents and teachers attribute learning continuity to online education. So, there is a rising preference towards a hybrid approach that shall headline education in this country. The ‘Education For Future’ model is one that blends the best of in-person and digital tools, and broadens learning possibilities so they complement each other and create a more effective learning environment.
Following a hiatus of two years, education in India is crawling back to normalcy. And the path ahead is booming with opportunities and innovations. It would be interesting to note how the sector continues to adapt and transform through these trends and create an ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
