Emerging Technologies and their Importance in Implementing the NEP | Swarrnim University
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Mr. Adi Rishabh Jain, Vice President of Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University
- How technology can transform the Indian Education system.
Technology has the potential to revolutionise the Indian education system, addressing various challenges and transforming the learning experience. We are in e-learning and hybrid learning times, where students get digitised reading material and electronic sources. Online collaboration tools and video conferencing platforms facilitate communication and knowledge sharing among students and teachers, breaking geographical barriers and fostering a global learning community. Additionally, technology enables interactive and immersive learning experiences through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These technologies can bring abstract concepts to life, enhancing student engagement and understanding.
With these technological innovations instilled, the Indian education system can overcome traditional limitations and create a more inclusive, engaging, and efficient learning environment that prepares students for future challenges and contribute to the development & growth of economic, industrial, or innovative sectors.
2. What are the key highlights of the NEP that focuses on technology-based learning?
In Chapter 23 of the NEP (Technology Use and Integration & Online and Digital Education: Ensuring Equitable Use of Technology), there are mentions of how technology and education share a bi-directional relationship and how the incorporation of technology can be used to eradicate language barriers, enhance accessibility for special education students and improve planning and management of syllabus and execution.
Even though disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D/7D Virtual Reality have emerged and are already being used in various sectors, further extensive research is needed to evaluate and sort them into their roles to reap the fullest benefits.
The NEP intends to set up a National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), which will act as a platform for exchanging ideas and information on the use of technology in education. This will provide directions for research and innovation and facilitate accurate data flow to improve teaching-learning and evaluation processes.
3. What are few technology-based learning methods that are useful for making education accessible and engaging?
The 21st-century kids are born with electronic devices and digital applications instead of being introduced to technology which was the case with earlier generations.
E-learning: Teaching-learning practices with Online Learning Platforms and multimedia, including videos, animations, infographics, and interactive simulations like Conference calls, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations, can enhance understanding and engagement, also making it flexible, allowing students to learn on their own pace and revisit concepts as needed.
Gamification: Incorporating elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, into educational activities motivates students and makes learning more engaging and enjoyable.
Blended learning: It is a mixture of traditional in-person instruction and e-learning. The in-person students are given online material as a supplement. This helps students learn at their own pace and avoid missing out on previous material if they need to get back to them for reference. The safer learning environment, Autonomy of the learner, Interactive learning process, Greater engagement with the learner, Detailed analytics, and Improved comprehension are certain benefits of blended learning.
Hybrid learning: When in-person students and remote learners who join virtually through video conferencing experience the same class simultaneously. It acts as an opportunity for educators to innovate newer concepts other than traditional classroom methods. Flipped learning can also be part of hybrid learning, where students read and study material in their homes and come to the classroom only for discussion and further understanding.
Thanks to high-speed internet technologies and stable devices, technological education methods are being adopted increasingly.
At Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University, we use all aspects of technology to make our teaching-learning experience the best. From holding webinars to online tutorials, we make learning and teaching as efficient and effective as possible. E-learning materials, online tests with proctoring, and live webinars are some ways we create an engaging learning experience.
4. How technology-based learning has the potential to make students Industry 4.0 ready?
Industry 4.0 involves the usage of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, AI, and machine learning in a company’s production and operations.
The days when humans have to work along with cobots are not far away. IoT-enabled machinery has already started to exchange data and information about the surroundings amongst themselves and react individually based on the situation at hand. Digital Twins have become a potential saviour in the medical field for improving the diagnosis process and charting out treatment plans.
These technologies are yet to be fully established, and theoretical knowledge is insufficient for the upcoming generation to harness them to their advantage. Hands-on experience and troubleshooting exercises are a must. This is possible only when technology is well amalgamated with the teaching-learning system that students get familiarised with emerging technologies and experience them in the flesh to gain confidence and acquire knowledge.
Thus, the potential of technology use and integration in the education system is massive and highly relevant to the present age and the anticipated future.
