Teacher’s Day: Tracing the evolution of education in India

India takes pride in its rich academic legacy, dating back to ancient times with institutions like Gurukuls, Nalanda University (Bihar) and Takashila University (modern-day Pakistan). Indian students have invariably received a well-rounded education that nurtured scientific curiosity and fostered innovation. Over time, the evolving socioeconomic milieu of the country has significantly influenced the way young minds are educated.

With teachers at the centre of imparting education, the medium becomes the message. Teaching is perhaps one of the greatest acts of optimism in the face of all obstacles. While it is an ever-evolving practice, the challenges posed by the recent Covid-19 pandemic have brought about a significant overhaul in the teaching landscape.

To decode the education evolution in the past two decades, we delve into the changing landscape of Indian institutions. Rajeev Kashikar a senator with Bombay University remarks on an important factor driving the change: "The rise of technology has encouraged student-centered approaches and urged the government to align the education system with global educational advancements."

The evolution of digital education

The inception of online education in India began in 2004-05 when government organisations like the Ministry of Human Resource Development and Indira Gandhi National Open University attempted to establish two-way video communication to impart education. However, with a download speed of 256 kilobytes per second, internet connectivity was still in its nascent stage two decades ago.

According to the report 'Strengthening Education Management Information System' published by the HRD Ministry and the National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) in 2014-15, only 24.65 per cent of Indian schools had access to computers. Digital literacy and awareness of technology-based education were not as prevalent as they are today. Thus, digitization endeavours fell short due to limited technological advancements.

Fast forward to 2021, The Union Education Ministry's body Unified District Information System for Education(UDISE) released a report that surveyed 14,89,115, out of which only 5,04,989 had internet access. Given the plight in 2004, this was a major jump in the seepage of the tech-enabled education system in schools. A total of 33.9 per cent of Indian schools now have internet access and related facilities.

With the proliferation of smartphones and the internet in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, digital learning platforms have gradually penetrated into primary, secondary and higher education sectors. Pallavi Joshi, a grade 10 teacher at Methodist High School in Kanpur informs Midday, "Post the pandemic, we had to work fast to recoup the loss of traditional education setups due to prolonged lockdown."

"From e-learning modules for each subject to virtual classrooms, our students were provided with holistic study material at their fingertips. The transition was not smooth as many students lacked smartphone access and stable connectivity. However, over a period of 12-14 months, the new teaching dynamics evolved which enabled them to learn at their own pace and explore a world of information beyond textbooks," she adds.

Apart from schools, the initiatives at the forefront of pandemic-induced digital education launched by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) included Diksha, Swayam Prabha Channel, Shiksha Van, E-Pathshala, and National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER).

A dedicated Direct-to-Home (DTH) channel was launched by the central government which focuses exclusively on serving hearing-impaired students. Study materials, designed in sign language, are created using the Digitally Accessible Information System (DAISY) to cater to the needs of both visually and hearing-impaired students. These educational resources can be accessed on platforms such as YouTube and the NIOS website.

Digital evolution has not only made education more engaging but also more inclusive, catering to diverse learning styles and needs. Many digital platforms provide interactive learning experiences through multimedia content, quizzes, and simulations. However, digital education in India faces several challenges.

According to a report by the National Sample Survey (NSS), as of 2017-18, only about 24 per cent of households in rural India had internet access, highlighting the significant digital divide in the country. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) in 2020 found that nearly 24 per cent of students in rural areas did not have access to smartphones or computers for online learning.

"This inequality in access to digital resources is a major obstacle," remarks Soumya Sharma, a PhD scholar pursuing educational research. Furthermore, she adds that concerns related to the quality of online content, teacher preparedness, and increased screen time among children are ongoing issues that need to be addressed. "Once, we manage to solve the issues at the grassroots level, only then we can ensure the effective inclusivity of digital education in India," Sharma remarks.

The journey of educational technology or Edtech

Simultaneously, the Indian EdTech journey commenced around 2004 with the emergence of smart classrooms and satellite-based education. However, this concept failed to gain significant traction as it was relatively new for people to adapt to. Over time, with technological advancements, India experienced substantial growth in the realm of online education.

What also adds to the EdTech boom is Gen Z's method of consuming lessons. Gen Z, often referred to as Zoomers, aren't inclined to study passively; it's not in their DNA. They don't merely wish to endure endless lectures, jot down notes, and commit them to memory for exams. They demand full engagement and active participation in the learning journey which has been paved by the rise of EdTech in India.

Today, education has become more affordable and accessible for students who primarily rely on traditional offline methods like coaching classes and private tutoring. For instance, take the case of Anu Kumari - the Indian civil servant from Kerala cadre. She prepared for the challenging exam solely through online coaching classes imparted at the virtual EdTech venture Insights IAS.

Similar platforms like BYJU's, Vedantu, UpGrad, etc. have sprouted up in the past decade which cater to students preparing for IITs, medical entrances, MBA, NET and other competitive examinations. Today, e-learning has become a necessity rather than a choice.

Sumit Kumar, the founder and CEO of New Delhi-based EdTech startup Nulearn shed light on the evolution of India's EdTech industry. "The journey of EdTech in India can be categorised into two distinct phases: pre-pandemic and during/after the pandemic. Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, EdTech was growing at a more measured pace, facing resistance to online education due to infrastructure limitations and challenges in reskilling teaching staff."

However, the pandemic provided a unique opportunity for the EdTech sector, reshaping public perception. With features like virtual classrooms, social learning, gamification and a high level of interaction, Nulearn has educated more than 50,000 students under 20+ specialised programs. Kumar opines that a major chunk of students enrolled in programs during the pandemic. The crisis prompted a rapid shift towards online learning as new EdTech products and services were being devised.

Supported by the Central Government, there has been a profound digital transformation in educational institutions, including curriculum and private ventures. Notably, companies like Vedantu, BYJU'S, and Unacademy have experienced remarkable user growth during this period.

The rise of practical learning

With the growing importance of hands-on experiences and real-world application of knowledge, the Indian education system has also witnessed a significant shift towards practical learning in recent years. Huma Zafar, a teacher at Podar International School, Mumbai shares how the introduction of abacus-based mathematical education has become a tangible way to cultivate robust numerical skills amongst her pupils.

"We recently launched the abacus for Grade 2 students to make math more fun and engaging. It's a special tool with beads that you can move around to solve complex calculations. When students use the abacus, they can see and feel numbers, which makes it easier for them to learn addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. My students have grasped it well and are more confident in their abilities", Zafar shares.

Additionally, to equip students with practical exposure to their chosen fields, colleges and universities, have increasingly recognised the value of internships. For instance, students pursuing Psychology at Christ University, Delhi and Bengaluru have been mandated to work with clinical psychologists in Semesters 3 or 4, to apply theoretical knowledge on a practical basis.

Internship options have expanded across various disciplines, including engineering, business, and healthcare. These opportunities allow students to apply theory in real-world settings, gain industry-specific skills, and build professional networks. In another instance, students of filmmaking at Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi undertake internships with Babel Productions - a syndicate that stitches documentary films for European channels like France 24, CNA and more.

On a parallel note, schools in India have started incorporating vocational training programs to equip students with practical skills that are directly applicable to the job market. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a 12-hour short exposure module for students in grade VI and higher to enhance their vocational skills. For example, vocational courses in plumbing, carpentry, electronics, and hospitality have become increasingly popular. These programs empower students with employable skills, making them job-ready upon graduation.

Joshi opines that the integration of technology in schools has increased the employability of her students. Her school has adopted a 1:1 computer ratio and is integrating technology into its teaching methods. Utilising tools such as projections, online classes, and access to homework online, is not only making students more technologically savvy but also extending this knowledge to their parents. This tech literacy enables both children and parents to stay updated with the fast-paced changes of our times.

The pedagogy of peer learning is also now widely acknowledged as a crucial element of an active learning approach adopted by schools worldwide, Kashikar adds. In this method, students engage with their peers and gain knowledge from one another, without the need for constant supervision. This approach cultivates an environment of open communication, which is essential for effective learning.

At Indirapuram Public School, Ghaziabad, students were introduced to project-based learning initiatives like "Community Garden Creation," where they plan, execute, and maintain a garden, promoting practical skills and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility. This hands-on experience enhances their understanding of sustainable practices, aligning with the importance of practical learning.

Addressing pitfalls in the Indian Education System

Despite advancements, there are various pitfalls that need to be addressed. Apart from a deeper integration of technology through improved data connectivity and access to computers in rural regions, Indian education systems can enhance their methods of imparting knowledge through a combination of innovative approaches and reforms. Experts share some key strategies:

Flexible Curriculum
Revise and update the curriculum regularly to make it relevant to the changing world. Include subjects related to 21st-century skills such as Artificial intelligence, coding, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability. Allowing students to choose from a broader range of elective subjects will help them align their goals better.

Teacher Training
Invest in continuous professional development for teachers. Provide training in modern pedagogical techniques, technology integration, and classroom management. Supporting teachers in staying up-to-date with the latest educational trends and methodologies is crucial for student's success.

Assessment Reform
Rethink assessment methods to move beyond exams and standardised testing. Encourage a more holistic evaluation of students' skills, including project assessments, presentations, and portfolio evaluations. Reduce the emphasis on high-stakes exams.

Student-Centric Approach
Tailor teaching methods to individual learning styles and needs. Implement differentiated instruction, where teachers adapt their approaches to accommodate diverse learners. Encourage self-directed learning and autonomy.

Promote Creativity and Arts
Recognise the importance of arts, music, and creativity in education. Encourage students to explore their artistic talents and creative thinking. These aspects can foster innovation and well-rounded development.

Teacher-Student Relationships
Encourage strong teacher-student relationships built on trust and open communication. Create a supportive and empathetic learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns.

Parental Involvement
Promote active involvement of parents in their children's education. Encourage regular communication between teachers and parents to ensure a collaborative approach to learning.

Inclusive Education
Ensure that education is accessible and inclusive for all students, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, or disabilities. Implement harmonious interactions to avoid communal sentiments, bullying and other radical acts in the classroom.