The Indian education industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by the increasing presence of technology in educational institutions. This has paved the way for a remodelled education system. New-age digital solutions are poised to replace conventional approaches to delivering and acquiring information. Advanced methods powered by high speed communication networks are making learning more interactive and engaging, offering new avenues for collaboration and knowledge sharing. These advancements align with the objectives outlined under the government’s National Education Policy, 2020, which aims to ensure equitable access to high quality education.
A look at the key technologies transforming the education landscape and the way forward…
AI becomes mainstream
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a highly popular technology in the education sector. While its potential benefits and drawbacks are often debated among stakeholders, it has already begun to challenge long-standing traditions in education. Colleges and universities face various challenges today, such as disengaged students, high dropout rates and the limitations of a traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to teaching. AI offers personalised learning experiences that have the potential to resolve some of these challenges. AI-powered educational tools can analyse student performance data and provide tailored support to improve grades. For instructors, it can provide instant feedback, and automate grading of assignments and quizzes. AI can monitor online exams, thus reducing the workload on teachers while providing a more secure testing environment for students. In the edtech segment, AI can help improve student engagement with customised courses, interactive lectures and gamified classrooms for skill development. Notably, AI can act as a catalyst for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 set by the United Nations, which aims to provide inclusive and equitable quality education across all socio-economic levels.
A number of AI-powered tools have emerged specifically for the education industry. For example, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other generative AI solutions find multiple use cases in education, including content creation, proofreading, research, evaluation and grading of written work, and designing of course outlines. Ahura is an AI-powered learning assistant that tracks learning habits by observing attention and engagement. Knewton offers an adaptive learning platform that delivers personalised learning experiences to students. Gradescope is an AI-powered grading tool that automates the grading process, enabling teachers to provide more individualised attention to students. It must be noted that these tools are not intended to replace educators but rather to assist them by automating routine tasks and enhancing information delivery.
In theory, AI appears to be an ideal solution to some of the most common issues in the education space. However, several drawbacks of the technology need to be addressed to fully realise its potential. First, the deployment of AI-powered solutions entails significant costs, which can pose a barrier for several educational institutions with limited resources. Second, personalised learning requires a large amount of sensitive student data, which raises privacy and security concerns. Third, there is a lack of human interaction and support while using AI-powered tools. It has been argued that AI cannot replace the mental and emotional support needed by students, and an excessive reliance on AI-powered educational tools may have negative impact on students.
ML optimising learning outcomes
Machine learning (ML) leverages real-time, micro-granular student data to analyse and provide valuable insights, thereby creating a personalised and seamless learning experience. In primary schools, ML can be utilised to identify at-risk students and implement early interventions at an early stage. It can also enhance campus security with threat detection and response. In higher education set-ups, ML can help in identifying and attracting suitable students, forecast enrolment, predict outcomes and ensure student success. It also facilitates research by helping analyse large data sets in short time frames. The technology can be used to modernise the campus experience. Meanwhile, edtech players are leveraging ML to reach a global audience and serve users of all abilities through transcription, translation, text-to-speech and content classification. It also helps them with target marketing and advertising.
Several universities across the world have explored the applications of chatbots to address student queries, resulting in the collection of large volumes of data on student interests and concerns. This data can be analysed by ML-enabled intelligent systems to provide feedback, explanations and timely guidance, allowing universities to create innovative learning programmes and services to improve student experiences. However, a few challenges persist. Evidence has shown that ML is highly susceptible to both machine and human errors, resulting in biased and generalised predictions, potentially undermining the learning process for students. The collection of sensitive student data, including biometrics, emotions and behaviour, raises valid privacy concerns.
AR/VR for immersive learning
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have long been recognised concepts in the education space. However, immersive learning has only recently transitioned from small-scale experimentation to large-scale deployment. Educational institutions are utilising AR/VR for virtual field trips, science experiments, soft skills training and various other purposes. While basic experiences are primarily compatible with mobile devices, advanced tools such as VR headsets are also improving in quality and decreasing in cost. The techniques required to develop and access immersive content are also becoming increasingly user-friendly and affordable.
AR/VR makes learning more immersive and engaging for students. For example, medical school students can engage in experimental surgeries in VR environments and biology learners can engage with virtual simulations of animals, plants, etc. Immersive experiences foster better levels of engagement and increase memory recall for complicated or abstract topics, ranging from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to humanities disciplines, which typically rely on two-dimensional ideas. AR and VR also help improve memory retention, making them particularly valuable for children with learning disabilities. Recently, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras announced a project focused on AR/VR-enabled learning for schools in rural areas. The initiative aims to develop VR-enabled immersive and experiential environments, providing students with opportunities to learn various subjects. Meanwhile, Chennai-based Meynikara Solutions launched the first-ever VR labs in Tamil Nadu last year. These VR labs, which operate in the metaverse, have been set up in three government schools and two municipal corporation schools in Chennai.
Digitising records with blockchain
Traditional methods of accessing credentials and academic records and validating transcripts are often inefficient and involve manual work. An ideal solution for this is blockchain technology. Blockchain brings several advantages, including decentralised storage and security, traceability, and transparency of stored information. Blockchain maintains the integrity of data even in distributed peer-to-peer systems. For example, blockchain allows educational institutions to store and verify student records digitally, eliminating the need for physical documentation and simplifying the process of accessing and presenting qualifications for students. In 2022, IIT Kanpur adopted a blockchain-based system to issue digital degrees to its students under the National Blockchain Project.
5G driving transformation
To implement the aforementioned technologies on campuses and online platforms, high speed internet with low latency is crucial. 5G networks have the potential to deliver up to 20 Gbps peak data rates, lower latency and a 100x increase in traffic capacity and network efficiency compared to 4G. The technology also offers improved coverage and reliability. Therefore, 5G will play a key role in driving the application of AI/ML, AR/VR and other next-generation technologies. The concept of “online/digital university” will be facilitated by 5G as it will enable millions of students from remote areas to access higher education. The technology will enable seamless communication among peers worldwide, fostering innovation and collaboration.
In India, Lovely Professional University became the first university to deploy Reliance Jio’s 5G services on its campus. It was soon followed by Chandigarh University and Chitkara University. The All India Institute of Medical Science has also announced its plans to equip its entire New Delhi campus with 5G connectivity.
The way forward
Industry reports estimate that India’s school market size alone reached $43.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to exceed $87 billion by 2028, showcasing a compound annual growth rate of 12.1 per cent during 2023-28. Meanwhile, the edtech segment has gained momentum in the past few years, attracting substantial investments. India is the second largest market for e-learning, with a market size of $6 billion, expected to reach $10 billion by 2025. To ensure quality education that is accessible to all, substantial growth observed across these segments will need to be complemented by widespread adoption of new-age technologies. A holistic approach to integrating technologies in education will play a pivotal role in the future.
Sarah Khan
