Ankur Aggarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of LaunchMyCareer, shares his views on the opportunities and challenges facing the education system in India with FE Education Online.
1. What is the best thing about today’s education system?
India holds a leading position among the world’s education systems and produces some of the brightest minds that have taken the world by storm. Case in point – our mathematics curriculum is the most demanding in the world, with our IIT-JEE exams among the toughest in the world. The greatest strength of today’s education system is that it is flexible and adaptable. Over the years it has undergone significant changes in response to various challenges and evolving needs. For example, the country has successfully rolled out a highly effective online and distance learning system in the wake of the pandemic to ensure learning continues uninterrupted. The rapid adoption and implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims, among other things, to make education more inclusive, equitable and accessible to students across the country.
2. What would you like to change about the system?
With quality education as a benchmark, Indian education has been at the forefront in many areas. India’s brightest minds have put the country third in the global unicorn list, behind only the US and China. The rapid adoption of new technologies and the advancement over time have placed Indian education in a respectable position worldwide. If there’s one thing it can further increase, it’s a mass infiltration of a technology-enabled infrastructure with a significant emphasis on alternative practices alongside traditional education. Efficient education mechanisms can make a huge difference in the way learning is paid off and delivered to young minds in the far corners of the country.
3. What role has digitization played in the development of the education system?
When developing the education system, the role of digitization must not be neglected. Aside from online learning platforms and resources, digital technology has also impacted education through the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. These technologies are used to create personalized learning experiences, to analyze and interpret data about student learning, and to support teachers in their work. Digital technologies have permeated the classroom via immersive technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality to provide students with interactive learning experiences that are immersive and memorable. Overall, digitization is having a significant impact on the education system and is likely to continue to play a key role in shaping the way education is delivered and experienced.
4. What was the disadvantage of digitization in education?
I wouldn’t say there were any disadvantages, but there were certainly some challenges. While digital technology has the potential to enhance the educational experience and provide new and innovative teaching and learning methods, there are some challenges in large-scale implementation, such as lack of accessibility, digital literacy and privacy, among others. As thought leaders and providers of edtech solutions, we must find ways to increase the accessibility of technology across the country. In addition, it is important to ensure that students have the necessary digital skills by providing training and resources to help them develop these skills and by integrating digital skills into the curriculum. For digital literacy to be robust, strict data protection measures must also be implemented and students and guardians must be made aware of their rights and safe data sharing methods.
5. What career tips would you like to give students?
Education can provide a strong foundation to create an effective launch pad for students to begin the life of their dreams. What can bring them forward is a strong interest in self-improvement, skill development and a zeal for continuous learning. The careers of the future will require the ability to be cross-functional, agility to shift gears midway, and technical prowess. The future of work will rely heavily on technical skills, as well as critical thinking, complex problem solving, analytical thinking, innovation, creative thinking, originality and leadership. Students and trainees need to be flexible and embrace technology quickly to stay ahead of the curve.
