Today’s world is rapidly becoming digital. Just as technology has affected every sphere of our life, the education system has also not remained untouched by it. The journey from traditional classes to online education has brought a big change in the world of education. Digital education is no longer just an option, but it is becoming the mainstream of the future. On this subject, a global conference called ‘enlightED’ discusses education, technology and innovation around the world, so that education can be made more accessible, inclusive and effective.
What is the ‘enlightED’ conference?
‘enlightED’ is an international conference that started in the year 2018. This conference is organized every year with education, technology and innovation at the center. Its fifth edition was held in Spain in the year 2022. This conference was organized jointly by “la Caixa Foundation”, Fundación Telefónica, IE University and South Summit.
Three main topics were discussed in depth in this conference:
- Digital skills of today and tomorrow
- Inclusion and equality through innovation
- Creating modern classrooms that break barriers
The aim of these discussions was to make digital education accessible not only in developed countries but also to underdeveloped and developing communities.
Key issues in the conference
Many important topics were highlighted during the conference.
- The need to take digitalization to underdeveloped communities
- Empowering youth to eliminate inequalities
- The role of social entrepreneurship in promoting inclusion
- Identifying new growth areas in the startup ecosystem
These issues show that digital education is not limited to studies only, but it is also an important means of social equality and economic development.
Status of digital education in India
Access to education has always been a challenge in a vast and diverse country like India. Digital education has reduced this challenge to a great extent. Digital learning does not mean only studying through computer or internet, but it is a process that gives an opportunity to reach education to every student, no matter where he lives.
The government has also given special importance to digitalization and the use of technology in the New Education Policy (NEP). This policy has the potential to completely change the future education system.
Current status
Although India has taken many steps towards digital education, challenges still remain. Recently, the Ministry of Education told the Lok Sabha that less than 10% of schools in about 10 states of the country have Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices available. This means that most of the children are still deprived of digital means.
ICT devices include everything from hardware like printers, computers, laptops, tablets to software tools like Google Meet, Google Spreadsheet.
Initiatives by States
Various states in India have taken several commendable steps to promote digital education at their own levels.
- Chandigarh: Video walls have been installed in three senior secondary schools and all schools have been provided with LCD projectors.
- Chhattisgarh: Here the “Motor School” initiative has been taken, in which students get the opportunity of face-to-face digital learning.
- Gujarat: Active learning is being delivered to students through Mobile Learning Van and Utilization Computer Lab Asset Mobile Van.
- Kerala: Here, the facility of digital classes was made available to all the students through the collective efforts of LSG, Alumni and Society.
- Telangana: The state government has launched a chat-based assessment and education solution with the help of Conve Genius and Central Square Foundation.
These initiatives show that states have made serious efforts towards digitizing education according to their resources and circumstances.
Digital Gap: The gap in education
The biggest question of digital education is the “digital gap”. It is the difference that exists between those who have access to technological tools and those who do not.
This gap can be seen at many levels:
- Between developed and developing countries
- Between rural and urban areas
- Between young and old generation
- Between educated and uneducated class
- Between men and women
Major challenges
There are many obstacles in implementing digital education on a wide scale, such as:
- Lack of adequate internet connectivity
- Slow internet speed
- Lack of training for teachers
- Lack of practical education for students
- Lack of proper environment and space for studying at homes
- Lack of understanding and cooperation of parents
- Social inequalities
Major initiatives of the government
The Government of India has taken many important steps to strengthen digital education:
Accessible content for students
- Manodarpan – Initiative for mental health and counseling of students
Conclusion
The future of education in the digital age is extremely promising. It is not only a means of increasing access to knowledge, but also a strong step towards social equality, economic development and innovation. Although there are still many challenges in a vast country like India, this dream can be realized with the cooperation of government schemes, state-level initiatives and society.
Digital education will not only make students globally competitive in the coming times, but will also equip them with employment and life skills. That is why it can be said that the coming time is of “digital education”.