Transforming Classrooms with EdTech: Personalised, Immersive Learning for the Future

By Deepak Subbarao

• The Indian Edtech market is likely to reach $30 billion by 2031, from a figure of $700-$800 million as of 2021
• Today, India has already become the second-largest e-learning market, close on the heels of the US

The EdTech sector has grown enormously over the past decade, although its effective impact is becoming clear only lately. The entire education scenario has changed thanks to EdTech startups, with new innovations that make personalised, interactive learning and gamification possible, so that students can learn better. Pioneering EdTech companies are utilising technology to improve the accessibility of high-quality learning resources.

Classroom learning is now a fun-filled and interactive experience. A recent survey by a government body shows that the Indian EdTech market is likely to reach $30 billion by 2031, from a figure of $700-$800 million as of 2021, while a leading international service network report reveals that India has already become the second-largest e-learning market, close on the heels of the US.

Here, we will discuss the impact of EdTech on education, and how it can be a massive advantage in the individual learning experiences of today’s students.

Impact of Online Learning

Personalised Learning: Personalised learning is the most important aspect of the virtual, or online, learning method. EdTech companies are rebuilding traditional classroom settings by customising learning experiences for each pupil—through adaptive algorithms and AI-powered platforms, students can access personalised content, progress at their own pace and get real-time feedback on their work. This approach improves student engagement, drives motivation and, in the long term, exponentially enhances learning results.

Interactive Learning: EdTech companies are also bringing in gamification and interactive learning methods, to make education more engaging and fun. With gaming elements incorporated into academic content, students can easily participate in interactive activities, challenges and simulations,improving their problem-solving skills and fostering collaboration among students. Such an approach promotes a culture of active learning. With game-based platforms, EdTech companies are converting classrooms into dynamic and immersive learning environments.

New Technologies: The rapid advancement of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), is shaping the future of EdTech. AI-powered tools like chatbots offer instant tutoring and support to students, while VR/AR applications provide immersive learning experiences, and interactive simulations allow for hands-on studies. EdTech startups are taking the lead in incorporating these technologies into educational settings, in the effort to create innovative and engaging learning spaces.

Benefits of Online Learning

Flexibility Advantage

Online learning is also ideal for people wishing to advance their education while working. If a person is employed and wants to pursue a professional course after work, it would not be possible for him/her to handle it in a traditional classroom setting due to time constraints. Such individuals would either have to take a sabbatical, or leave the present job, to be able to take up courses. As an alternative, online classes allow for far more autonomy in ṭerms of scheduling, which is perfect for individuals seeking to balance work and studies at the same time. People can now study whenever it is convenient for them.

Cutting Down on Costs

Education is expensive, but virtual education provides several ways to save money.  Firstly, with no required commute to educational institutions, one can save on transport costs. Secondly, on an average, a student spends several thousand rupees on textbooks and course materials; but online courses offer virtual resources for little to no cost, which means less money spent on textbooks. Additionally, tuition costs tend to be lower for online programs than for traditional, classroom-learning setups. There are several EdTech platforms that offer affordable rates and discounts on tuition fees, too.

Wide Variety of Courses

Another benefit of online learning is that it offers a greater variety of options than traditional courses. Since students do not have to travel for their courses scheduled on fixed days and times, they can enrol in the courses they are interested in and complete the coursework on their own time. With online courses, students can earn the same degrees that they can earn from traditional educational institutions, with the added elements of ease, flexibility and convenience.

Revisiting the Lessons

In a traditional classroom lecture, a pupil’s note-taking skill is key for revision, while, in an online class, students can revisit video presentations as many times as they want to. If a they have not comprehended parts of the content covered in a lecture, they can always go back and listen to the video, as many times as they like. Lecture videos can be used as an added tool to complete assignments.

Instant Feedback

The combination of coursework with technology has several further advantages. Instead of waiting for days and weeks after exams to receive their results, students can get instant feedback when learning virtually. In online courses, students submit assignments digitally, for reviews by professors. Teachers check them online and offer immediate feedback. This can help them students faster and incorporate feedback into  their future assignments with greater ease.

Ensuring Access to All

EdTech startups help ensure access to quality learning opportunities for all, making use of technology to bridge the gap. Online learning platforms, mobile applications and remote-learning tools, all allow students coming from different backgrounds and varied locations to access educational resources previously out of their reach.

Skill Development Training

In India, EdTech startups are also providing skill training to students as part of their  higher education. Skill development includes formal training, on-the-job learning and self-directed learning. The main aim of skill development is to improve a student’s ability to carry out tasks or activities, for improved personal and professional growth.

Industry-Ready Students

Skill training can help students develop the practical tools and the know-how needed for them to thrive in the workforce after their studies. This is particularly important in India, where there is usually a large gap between the skills needed by the workforce and the skills students acquire in colleges and universities.

This sort of skill development allows students to become more competitive in the job market and improve their chances of finding employment after college.

Additionally, it can help students develop the core competence and knowledge they need to start their own businesses, which can contribute to economic growth and job creation through an increase in entrepreneurship.

(The author is Mr. Deepak Subbarao, Co-founder, Avidii, and the views expressed in this article are his own)