Introduction
In an attempt to provide improved learning outcomes in Higher Education, the Ministry of Education has launched a new National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT 3.0). This tech-driven scheme aims to integrate advanced technological solutions into educational pedagogy, aiming particularly for the Economic and Socially weaker sections of society.
Understanding NEAT Scheme
The NEAT scheme functions on a Public-Private Partnership model involving the Government and Indian Ed-Tech companies. The scheme’s primary goal is to bring the most effective technological solutions in education pedagogy under one platform.
The scheme aims to identify and showcase technology solutions that utilize Artificial Intelligence for customized learning or e-content in niche areas with highly employable skills. Additionally, the government plans to distribute free coupons for a variety of courses offered by ed-tech companies. The implementation of NEAT is overseen by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
About All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Established in November 1945, AICTE is a national-level apex advisory body set up with the purpose of conducting surveys on the facilities available for technical education and promote development in the country in a coordinated and integrated manner.
Under the National Policy of Education (1986), AICTE holds statutory authority for planning, formulation, and maintenance of norms & standards, quality assurance through accreditation, funding in priority areas, monitoring and evaluation, maintaining parity of certification & awards, and managing technical education in the country.
Ed-Tech and its Benefits
Edtech refers to the integration of IT tools into classrooms, creating a more engaging, inclusive and personalized learning experience. It has been recognized for allowing greater personalization of education, enhancing educational productivity, reducing costs of instructional materials and service delivery at scale and better employing teacher/instructor time.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
India’s latest National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, supports the integration of technology at every level of instruction. The policy envisions establishing an autonomous body, the National Education Technology Forum (NETF), to spearhead efforts towards providing a strategic thrust to technology deployment and usage.
Scope and Potential of Indian Ed-Tech Ecosystem
The Indian ed-tech ecosystem has substantial potential for innovation. Currently valued around USD 700 million with over 4,500 start-ups, the market is predicted for exponential growth — estimates project a staggering market size of USD 30 billion in the next decade.
Concerns Associated With Ed-Tech
However, the lack of Technology Access presents a significant challenge. The National Sample Survey data for 2017-18 reveals that only 42% of urban and 15% of rural households had internet access. This discrepancy indicates that Ed-tech might inadvertently widen the pre-existing digital divide.
Overcoming the Challenges: Steps Taken
To address these challenges, initiatives like Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA), PM eVidya, Swayam Prabha TV Channel and the SWAYAM portal have been launched. The focus is on access, equity, infrastructure, governance, and quality-related outcomes, with a particular emphasis on addressing the digital divide at two levels — access and skills to effectively use technology and leverage its benefits.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the emphasis should be on developing a comprehensive Ed-tech policy architecture that focuses on providing access to learning, enabling teaching, learning, and evaluation processes, facilitating teacher training and continuous professional development along with improving governance systems. The idea should be more “teachers and technology” rather than “teachers versus technology”.
