By Monica Malhotra Kandhari
Education Technology or ed-tech is taking India’s education sector by storm. India boasts one of the world’s largest Ed-Tech sectors, housing 395 startups spanning several sub-sectors, including test prep, K-12 education, and ed-tech SaaS. ed-tech platforms have empowered students to engage actively in their academic pursuits. Nonetheless, selecting the right ed-tech solution for your child can be a daunting task, despite the empowering impact it has on student engagement. Here’s some valuable guidance for parents seeking an ed-tech platform for their children.
Understanding your child’s learning style
Each child possesses a distinct learning style. While some children may thrive in interactive and visual learning environments, others may prefer a more traditional reading and writing approach. Consequently, it is crucial to consider your child’s strengths and weaknesses when selecting an ed-tech platform. Identifying your child’s preferred learning style can help you narrow down your options and choose a platform that enhances their learning experience. Adaptive learning platforms that customise content based on a student’s progress can benefit children with diverse learning styles. To make a well-informed decision, it is recommended to conduct thorough research and assess various aspects such as course content, teaching methods, feedback mechanisms, and instructor ratings concurrently.
Addressing unique challenges
Each child faces unique challenges in their educational journey. Whether your child struggles with a specific subject or has learning disabilities, the platform you choose should address their distinct needs through specialised content or features. For example, some platforms go the extra mile by featuring supplementary resources for children with dyslexia or ADHD. Others incorporate features like speech-to-text functionality or adaptive assessments to accommodate diverse learning abilities. By addressing the unique challenges your child encounters, you can discover the right ed-tech platform that simplifies their learning process and assists them in overcoming obstacles.
Prioritising data privacy
Before selecting an ed-tech platform, you must investigate its data privacy policies and practices. In an era of rampant cybercrimes, ed-tech platforms have become extra vigilant in safeguarding children’s privacy. The best ed-tech platform employs robust encryption protocols and unique user access controls to safeguard data stored on cloud servers. Additionally, they have cybersecurity personnel on standby, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Parental control & monitoring features
In order to actively engage in their children’s educational journey, parents should choose ed-tech platforms featuring robust parental control and monitoring features. By doing so, they can ensure their children’s online safety while gaining insights into their learning needs and accomplishments. Moreover, an ed-tech platform with an interoperable data ecosystem can provide a win-win situation. Data interoperability facilitates seamless communication between educators, learners, and parents. The best thing about data interoperability is its ability to collect data in real-time. This feature empowers teachers to promptly identify and address emerging behavioural issues or learning difficulties in children, enabling them to instantly notify parents.
Wrapping up
Choosing the perfect ed-tech platform for your child can be a real game-changer in their educational journey. Adherence to the factors highlighted above can help you make an informed decision and provide your child with a personalised educational experience. According to a report by IBEF, the Indian education sector will likely reach $225 billion by 2024-25. This significant expansion will likely attract numerous ed-tech companies looking to capitalise on this upward trend. With so many ed-tech startups vying for attention, it is crucial to evaluate ed-tech platforms to secure your child’s future.
The author is managing director of MBD Group and AASOKA.
