Mridul is one of the co-founders of CuriousJr, studied at IIT BHU, and worked at OYO, Circle (acquired by ShareChat), is an educational enthusiast. Before starting CuriousJr, he spent 4 years at OYO, where he learned about operations, supply, business, and product. At Circle, he also led the content and community for vernacular users. At CuriousJr, he is responsible for growth, business, community, and people operations.
While most businesses throughout the world suffered significant losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the education technology (“Edtech”) industry saw massive, exponential growth. Following the ensuing lockdown, educational institutions had to drastically change their mode of teaching. While schools were figuring out the next course of action, they looked at technology-based creative solutions like educational technology to establish a relevant learning environment for all students. Many under-established and lesser-known companies came up offering their services.
It was undoubtedly challenging to make the switch overnight, but with the support and involvement of EdTech entrepreneurs, professors, administration, parents, and students, a new age of education has begun.
What and how did the circumstances change? Let’s take a closer look.
In many parts of the world, students, teachers, and parents felt the foundation sway with the abrupt move from the classroom to online form. Everyone can agree that the first few months at the beginning were confusing and stressful. Everyone sighed with relief when EdTech apps began urging institutions to continue teaching. Learning with AI, machine learning, and virtual classrooms isn’t simply shifting the playing field for learners; it’s also shaking up the role of educators, prompting fundamental shifts in teaching methods and redefining the classroom.
Pre-pandemic situation was different when it came to technology usage, children used it for 30-40 minutes, now a minimum of 4-5 hours. It is expected to rise post-COVID in this day and age, as teachers and professionals have found it convenient to connect. They’ve also grown more comfortable with and adept at using technology. Many people believe that online learning aids in information retention and saves time. True technological breakthroughs have altered the way education is delivered and accessed, and tremendous new learning opportunities are opening up in every discipline.
Technology has and will also play a vital role in the post-pandemic classroom: usage of technology will expand, EdTech training will become essential, and classrooms will have a digital twin. Cloud-based solutions for student relationship management, learning management systems, assessment management, and other purposes would be adopted more quickly by education institutions. Niche apps with smooth integration capabilities with other programmes will be preferred. Components to interface the EdTech application with other apps are becoming increasingly important.
The new era
Education technology (EdTech) has already experienced rapid growth and adoption prior to COVID-19 with various adoptions in educational institutions and at home, like using visual aids, conducting research, and creating online portals. Conspiring that, it wouldn’t be very hard to adopt in the future stages either. Many online learning platforms are encouraging youngsters to learn and empower themselves by offering various features in their applications. Younger generations have long been role models for this new learning culture, embracing the flexibility that education provides and also opening an ocean of opportunities and possibilities for them. This new change helps redefine success and happiness for these children as they are moving from traditional to more vocal and practical learning experiences.
The power of EdTech is such that the delivery and effect of education may be considerably improved with the appropriate tools and methodology. Educators can use technology to connect with several learners or students from different parts of the country. Technology has enabled teachers to use a multi-model approach to learning, which combines audio-visual, textbooks, and experimental kits. This enables them to provide learning solutions that meet global standards.
However, there are obstacles to overcome. Primary and middle school students are at their ages of growth and experience. They may find it extremely difficult to concentrate and understand everything online due to a variety of factors, such as small screens, constant sitting in front of a device, eye strains, and even comprehension. While high school and graduate students are independent and comprehend easily, this might not be the case for younger children. The 21st century has introduced many new features, and kids use their electronic devices for a variety of activities, such as social networking and gaming. This raises their expectations when education is delivered online as well. It is critical that there are methods for making e-learning more dynamic and engaging where students are able to take the initiative, step ahead, and engage with their peers and teachers. Many EdTech firms strive to deliver the greatest possible experience for students, parents, and professors. One such example is CuriousJr, an online platform that enables youngsters to learn to code. It offers high-quality information, mobile and active learning, creative ways to engage users, lessons in local languages, and the ability for students to publish and share their work with the larger community.
What does the future hold?
It’s indeed beyond due for educational institutions to begin concentrating on shifting trends and adapting to new technology in order to make education more exciting, relevant, and useful. With the swift adoption of the newest technological developments, educational institutions will not only be able to increase the quality of education, but students will also be able to comprehend concepts better, recall information more quickly, and retain information for longer periods of time. Adopting those technologies in little steps can go a long way toward boosting education’s integration with industry-relevant information. These educational technology developments will positively transform education by enhancing and making it far better than it is now. It may assist students in preparing for a bright future, which will in turn brighten society’s future.
With the emergence of EdTech, teachers and parents are adopting a more practical manner of imparting knowledge. It is important not just for defining the way our future generations view education, but also for preparing for a world that is continually developing, changing, and uncertain.