The online education market in India is expected to grow by a staggering 50% from 2021 to 2025 and reach $5 billion by the financial year 2025 (Bengaluru-based market research firm RedSeer). As the Indian education system steps ahead with EdTech, we need to ask: Are these changes entirely beneficial, or are we overlooking some significant drawbacks? While online education offers convenience, it also brings challenges like social anxiety, lack of motivation, online distractions, high screen time, and technical difficulties.
The surge in technology intervention in education led to constructive issues of cybercrime, bullying, increased screen time, excessive use of social media, and restricted content consumption. Digital modes of education lack concentration, resulting in social isolation. Despite providing flexibility and accessibility, online education limits interactions that are the primary foundation of standard education. Indian education is moulding into online education; it remains effective only for surface-level learning experiences. Is online education a strategic move, or does it fail to support effective learning?
Due to the adverse effects of the pandemic, CBSE cancelled Class 10th board exams and postponed 12th papers in 2021. The backbone of the Indian education system couldn’t sustain the paradigm shift of virtual learning, and the major drawback was the digital divide. The gap in digital literacy and unequal access to technology increases the challenge for the system to follow the pace of learning persistently. Although NCERT initiated the SWAYAM portal to fill the knowledge gap through free online classes, it would still be hard to say whether online education reaches those in need.
Indian university students have found online education ineffective due to a lack of engagement, reduced class time and focus, isolation from peers, IT issues, and poorly managed examinations and assessments. The sudden shift to digital modes during the pandemic caught Indian schools and universities off guard, leaving them with few backup plans to address the gaps. Consequently, online education marked its entry into the ecosystem as an alternative to traditional learning; however, it leaves negative traits behind with progression.
According to an online survey published by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), key problems associated with online education during the pandemic were absenteeism, students’ shorter attention spans, emotional distress, and the lack of a structured assessment mechanism. On the other side, students revealed they faced issues like less participation, no interaction, and being loaded with extra academic tasks without practical understanding. However, online learning was not a complete failure; it eased accessibility & flexibility and encouraged self-reliance studies, but it still stayed behind in maintaining quality education standards.
Education isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it also fosters the evolution of human intelligence through interaction and engagement. Collaborative learning in the classroom allows students to express their creativity, improves social skills and critical thinking, and shapes overall personality. Online education limits social interaction, affecting individuals’ ability to showcase their skills. Despite various challenges, the nation’s future is undeniably intertwined with technology. Therefore, the Indian education system seeks to prepare students with smart technology skills and broader intellectual capabilities.
The present situation does not suggest scepticism toward online education, but certain challenges must be addressed to ensure quality learning. As a result, Indian education is moving toward blended learning as the best alternative for the future. This approach, which combines traditional classroom learning with smart technology, promotes continuous learning and equips educators with digital tools and teaching methods. Top online educators like Alakh Pandey and Khan Academy have demonstrated how blended learning helps to overcome learning challenges with live and interactive classes.
Recently, the CBSE NEP (New Education Policy) framework focused on a diverse learning curriculum. They plan to restructure the educational system in a 5+3+3+4 format, where the first five years are devoted to a foundational education. Three years are spent in preparatory CBSE school, three years are spent in middle school, and four years are spent in secondary online CBSE school. The restructuring is designed to provide students with a holistic and cohesive learning journey, fostering both emotional and cognitive development.
The ongoing trend of Edtech strikes a balance between knowledge accessibility and adaptive learning pace. India requires a robust education system where students can grow their intelligence and boost their digital literacy. Some effective steps towards collaborative learning styles are audio/video podcasts, presentations, surveys, investigatory projects, quizzes, gamification, and reports with illustrations and graphics. However, school management, as well as parents, are required to adopt preventive steps to restrict students’ exposure to practices like pornography and cyber crimes. With the strategic implementation of online education modules, India can achieve the roadmap of inclusive digital-driven learning. Also, it unlocks growth avenues for startups or other tech ventures to develop innovative learning platforms.
