Digital education is the talk of the town and almost every institute today is talking about enabling effective use of technology in education. But what about making e-learning relevant for rural India? In this interview, Beas Ralhan, founder, Hyderabad-based Next Education, tells FE?s Abhishek Chakraborty that, for a rural scenario, simple tools that don?t require much of an infrastructure to install can be offered. Excerpts:
Do students at primary level really need to be taught using digital means?
The purpose of education is not just grooming students so that they score well in exams but also to create strong individuals. When students, especially at primary and middle-school levels, are made to learn using digital means that has colourful and pictorial content, it makes them understand their subjects better. Digital content is, more often than not, able to catch the interest of even the most disinterested child. A child might not be interested in learning, but will surely be curious to know what?s flashing in front of him.
How can a digital learning environment be created?
Cloud technology is the answer where students can submit their assignments and teachers can review the same regularly. However, inside the classroom, the teacher should try and create an atmosphere that excites every student.
How important is e-learning?
Because e-learning goes far beyond traditional learning, it prepares students to face the world in an informed manner. It also allows teachers to go beyond their favourite books and notes. E-learning is engaging, entertaining, enthralling and emergent.
How relevant is e-learning in rural India?
For a rural scenario, simple tools that don?t require much of an infrastructure to install in schools can be offered. In fact, we were first in India to introduce a world-class digital solution at affordable prices by building a solution that can be run in independent classrooms. I must also add that a majority of our customers are in rural and tier-2 cities.
