E.M Forster in 1909 Published a short story called “The Machine Stops” and in a very ironic manner prophesied how modern technology-based learning is going to revolutionise pedagogy and change the way we see our society. What Forster could not predict was the scale of magnitude with which the short story captures contemporary reality. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we approach education and our reliance on the technology, which was very much needed, has increased manifolds. One year spent in online classes has shown the increasing demands for better e-learning platforms to apprehend the growing aspirations of modern industry.
While the contemporary education system caters to a wide variety of population, it has some structural flaws which need to be addressed. This system places the collective at the centre and assumes similar benchmarks for everyone. Students are asked to follow a rigid curriculum and adhere to it with no space for interdisciplinary approaches. Such a system is aligned to produce sincere workers who can follow orders and leave their individuality at a safe distance. For years we have been witnessing how changes are necessary for the present pedagogy and COVID-19 has given the little nudge it always needed. There was a marked increase in online learning platforms and classrooms.
The pandemic has startled our understanding of many issues and as a result; pushed us to take corrective measures to develop ourselves and make the best of the situation. We have an opportunity to add substantial value to education and with the advent of artificial intelligence, we can finally achieve it. The data produced through AI can tell us how each student approaches education and where their interests lie. The students can finally have a detailed track of their performances and can monitor their progress. Age is traditionally seen as a qualifier for education; where all students are aligned in a class based on age-cohort, but with AI, age can wither away and students regardless of their age can take classes according to their understanding of the subject. AI will reduce the administrative burden teachers are subjected to which comes in the way of designing courses according to their preferences. While AI works best for both on-campus and out campus courses, it provides new connectivity in the world of education by breaking away the barriers set by limitations of space. The modern tools use smart content for 3D visualisation of topics that were stuck within the realms of paper and books. AI can digitize textbooks and create customizable learning digital interfaces that students from primary education to graduate studies can benefit from. 2020 witnessed a considerable rise in the usage of the Learning Management System’ (LMS). LMS is a web-based software application that enables higher education institutions to enhance learning and identify training gaps. LMS provides a platform for teachers to engage with students by blending multiple platforms and at the same time track and monitor the learning experience of students. Such modern interventions are bound to make education a fun learning experience and make model citizens who will help in the progress of society.
While online tools ease the way we approach education, it does not take away the role of actual schools and universities. It only shows how sincere reforms are needed in educational institutions. We need a robust hybrid of the two platforms to enhance the learning experience of students. As the leading institute of the country, such innovative ideas are imbibed within the pedagogy of ADYPU. With the progress in education worldwide, we are making sure we incorporate concise learning methodologies which reinvigorate the whole exercise of teaching and learning. A generous focus is being pushed towards making education accessible for all our pupils and the usage of new technologies are being encouraged. The curriculum of ADYPU has always focused on the demands of society and the industry to facilitate our students within the moving currents of technologies and challenges. Our goal is to deliver quality education through new developments and incorporate innovative manners to enhance the learning experience of our pupils.