What exactly is EdTech? As you can guess, when you mix technology with education, you end up with EdTech. It is also known as online education or e-Learning.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected the EdTech Industry
We were never completely unaware of EdTech. It has been doing its rounds for a while now. India’s First EdTech Decacorn – Byju’s is a prime example of an attempt to bridge the gap of accessibility with the aim to provide education to everyone. Needless to say, the EdTech industry boomed amidst the pandemic. The uncertain atmosphere surrounding the pandemic makes it difficult for parents to want their children to go to school. Given a chance, mothers like you and me would prefer our children to stay within the safety of our homes. What EdTech has done is empower students, parents and teachers without compromising on their education while staying safe from the deadly virus.
Whereas traditional education in classrooms gave children a dependence on their schoolbooks, online education has taught them that there is a world beyond the classroom. Classes conducted online are more relatable and engaging, and children are given access to countless animated videos and presentations that help them understand concepts with little or no trouble.
Byju’s initiatives:
Byju’s has come up with various initiatives that will improve the classroom experience for students, teachers, and parents alike. My personal favourite is the Teacher Training. Only if teachers are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century can they pass the skills to students. With the world evolving at a speed faster than our comprehension, teachers must learn and unlearn numerous concepts to be able to cope, and this initiative has ensured that they are indeed well-equipped to teach all the skills relevant to the classroom and beyond.
Other initiatives that Byju’s has implemented is the Give Initiative and Education for all. Their idea is to make online education accessible to all, regardless of whether they can afford it. The basic need for online education is a smart phone or a tablet. Donating your old devices to children in need can transform their futures, giving them access to technology and an equal head start for education. Personally, I love these initiatives. More than commercial, they are in the spirit of giving back to society.
Hybrid Model
EdTech is not just a quick fix. It is the future. Even though the COVID-19 vaccine will be made available soon, I am personally still hesitant to send my child back to school. During my conversation with my son’s class teacher last PTM, she suggested how a hybrid model will be the one to be implemented henceforth. Starting for primary level schooling to competitive exam preparations and tuitions, everything will be done online.
E-learning platforms can be set into motion only after meeting the criteria set by PISA (Program for International Student Assessment). All educational materials and assessments will be available online. In my experience, my son is much happier with online education. I have noticed that it is also easy for teachers to focus on all students in a video call. When they can mute and unmute students as needed, teachers are able to have better control of the classroom, which helps them to deliver their lessons effectively.
Given time, not only children, teachers, parents but also EdTech companies will evolve. The sooner we accept and adapt this as the new norm, the better education standards we will have. EdTech is going to stay, it is not going anywhere!
I feel everyone is getting quite accustomed to this new life. Very informative article 👍
Thanks a lot for stopping by
Well written, Ujjwal! I quite liked a line in particular that it’s not a quick fix. Guess, day is not far when students could major from Stanford sitting in Bareilly!
There has indeed been a paradigm shift in teaching methodologies in the last two years and mostly because of forced circumstances. However, the edtech revolution will continue with those relying on quality and long terms goals, surviving.
During this pandemic something which suffered a lot is the education system and this online teaching methodology. This app really helps alot kids to understand the fundamentals in fun and interactive way.
I would say, during pandemic, online learning has saved our kid’s academics. And kudos to the teachers and students to accept this new stye of teaching whole-heartedly. With EdTech, the education system is surely going to change for good.
Yes dear during recent pandemic time we are much dependent on online learning options for kids. edtech sounds like a great option to keep learning momentum on. indeed it is future of our education system.
EdTech can surely bring in the difference we all are looking for. I think after the pandemic ends the hybrid model of education will pave its way and create wonders.
I had enrolled my daughter in an online learning platform even when this was not so much in vogue and I was happy with their modules. In the current scenario this sector has really seen a boom and probably they are here to stay.
It’s definitely not a quick fix and might I say I’m still learning. It’s all new for everyone. Edtech can surely make a difference.
Absolutely agree to this. The pandemic has shown us a new side of education and people have started accepting it too. EDUTED is the future of education.