Will access to internet hamper e-learning in India?

India on one hand designs the best policies for quantum supremacy and on the other overlooks the fact that 40% of Indian students in less privileged households have not been able to study at all.

The government estimates some 30 million school children have no access to smartphones, devices or the internet to attend school online. This is when we know, today’s students are tomorrow’s workers, problem-solvers and leaders. Access to a quality education is vital not just for children to thrive, but for social and economic development too.

Journey from face to face and face to screens is incomplete without taking into consideration the relationship between access to broadband connection and the number of students opting for courses online. Research shows that the increase in broadband speed is directly associated with the increasing number of students for online learning.

Digital technologies ought to change outcomes and truly empower people with equitable growth. In terms of online learning instead of technologies being digital equalizers they are widening the existing digital divide. Students from lower income groups are less likely to have access to broadband, computer, learning environment, compared to students from higher income families.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s report of January 2020 states that only half of the population has access to a decent broadband internet connection. With exacerbated disparities in accessing digital tools, internet connectivity, and infrastructure, some of the timely interventions explored by SSF are examples of best practices.

The push towards online classes and use of digital technology in education predates the pandemic, but has turned into an imperative in the post pandemic era. Current online learning is makeshift arrangements and conceal learning. Most importantly, the violation of the right to education is evident here.

The internet is not an equalizer but rather hardens the existing margins and excludes the “odd one out.” Needless to say, NEP's push towards online learning was not only put to test but has also made us rethink on how online learning can infuse innovative thinking which indeed was the cornerstone of NEP.

This article has been written by Vivek Singh, Co-Chair, Skill Development Working Group, IET Future Tech Panel