Scope and Future of Online Education in India

Online education has certainly come a long way in India, thanks to the advent of technology. Digital learning has become all the more important in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic that continues to wreak havoc worldwide. With schools, colleges, and other learning institutions closed for the foreseeable future (or at least till the situation improves), e-learning is the only way forward.

Benefits of online education

Quick access from anytime, anywhere

Since digital courses require only a laptop, smartphone or tablet with an internet connection, students can easily learn from anywhere at convenient times. This flexibility ensures working professionals can pursue new courses while simultaneously working full time jobs – they can learn during weekends or in their free time. Course materials are accessible easily, which makes the process more streamlined.

Cost-effective

Online education is much more cost-effective. Students just have to pay the course fee and be done with it. There are no other charges like hostel fees, library fees, maintenance fees, etc. Since you study at your own time, it helps to save time as well.

Learn at your own pace

Everyone learns at a different pace. In a classroom where everyone taught together, many students find it difficult to follow the lessons. This is a serious disadvantage of traditional education. When they learn online, everyone can learn at their suitable pace. Students can clarify their doubts by live chats or forums as well.

What is the scope of digital education in India?

Smart technologies are rapidly changing the overall educational framework in the country. Did you know that it is projected the online market in India will grow to about $ 1.96 billion by 2021? It is a compound annual growth of about 52% from 2016, when the online education market was worth $247. It is estimated that there is a 175% increase in the cost of classroom education, this gives online education more preferred because it is cost effective.

The penetration of digital education into the hinterland / rural market is evolving fast. The situation in rural areas is troubling – outdated teaching methods, shortage of teachers, inadequate student-teacher ratio, and insufficient teaching resources, are some of the issues they are still struggling with. But thanks to affordable high-speed internet and direct-to-device technologies, these are empowering rural students to study courses online and improve their skills and knowledge. Students in educationally backward areas are being taught with the aid of latest teaching tools and methodologies. Technology has also helped teachers connect with students remotely spread across wide geographical locations. Interactive digital media will certainly help in addressing the shortage of teachers in the country in the near future.

But in a country as diverse as India in terms of regional, linguistic, caste, class and gender, and socioeconomic status, it creates a myriad of problems about specific educational, psychosocial and financial needs of students as well as teachers. A unilateral approach to digital learning isn’t the answer – the transition won’t happen at one-go or be smooth. However, there is tremendous opportunity for growth, and this is the perfect time to tap into it!