By Prashant Bhonsle
Nelson Mandela once deemed education as the most potent tool to reshape the world, and three years after the global pandemic, education has transformed drastically. With inclusivity and equitable education as core values, the National Education Policy 2020 envisages the complete revision and revamping of India’s education system, including regulation and governance. But several challenges lie ahead, such as a lack of adequate infrastructure, research ecosystem shortcomings, and more.
Embracing technology to personalise learning
The advent of new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning has ushered in an era of unprecedented change, presenting new opportunities like never before. Today, teachers are harnessing the power of such technologies to personalise learning, tailoring the educational journey to each student’s unique needs and capabilities. Teachers are increasingly leveraging adaptive learning platforms, education apps, and technology-enabled tools to cater to different learning paces, styles, and provide content that is interactive and engaging.
Integrating technology to enhance engagement
Teachers have taken the impetus to incorporate technology into their classrooms, making learning far more enjoyable for students. This involves multimedia tools like videos, simulations, and even virtual reality to bring concepts to life. Beyond this, teachers are also employing gamified learning to make the educational experience more fun and motivating, while utilising online collaborative platforms to foster peer-to-peer learning and teamwork.
Promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills
Recognising the wave of digital transformation, teachers are prioritising digital literacy and critical thinking skills as a part of what is taught to students. Curriculums of today include digital literacy lessons, teaching students how to navigate the online world responsibly and safely, along with equipping them with the tools to evaluate information critically.
Fostering creativity and innovation
Today’s rapidly evolving world requires students to become good, successful, innovative, adaptable, and productive human beings. Within classrooms, several teachers have taken the initiative to encourage creativity and innovation among students, incorporating project-based learning, design thinking exercises, and maker education. Such innovative approaches allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, develop problem solving skills, and cultivate a growth mindset.
Bridging the digital divide and promoting equity
Access to equitable high-quality education is indisputable, and has improved significantly with scientific and technological advances. In India, teachers are actively advocating for increased access to technology and digital resources for all students, working towards bridging the digital divide and promoting equality for all. This includes supporting initiatives that provide affordable internet access, training teachers in the use of low-cost technology solutions, and creating digital learning materials that are accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
As education in India moves towards learning about how to think critically and solve problems effectively, teachers are driving meaningful change in pedagogy, making education more experiential, holistic, integrated, learner-centred, flexible, and enjoyable. Their contribution towards India’s ambition of achieving a general enrolment rate (GER) of 50% by 2035 is crucial, and they remain at the forefront of shaping the future of education in India. Indispensable to the ecosystem, teachers are playing a vital role in building character, enabling learners to be ethical, rational, and compassionate, while significantly advancing India’s efforts in creating a workforce that is equipped with skills and knowledge that are essential for attaining gainful, fulfilling employment.
The author is founder of Kuhoo Fintech. Views are personal.