Future technology that will shape higher education in India

This Article is a Guest Post.

One of the most significant factors in defining a country’s future is education. India - a country famous for its many educational institutions - is facing a change in this sector due to evolution in technology. We are rapidly shifting towards test apps, online learning platforms, and other resources available on the internet.

Preparation of IAS exam has not been untouched from this paradigm shift. Hi-tech classrooms for preparation, digital books, apps and online learning platforms are taking the IAS preparation to the next level. Candidates can also make use of study materials available on websites and other online communities.

Here are some of the trends that indicate how technology is going to be a significant factor in higher education in India:

Technology in Classrooms

Not so long ago, students in higher education used to attend classes taught by an experienced faculty and read from textbooks as well as handbooks. Today, however, this method of teaching and learning has almost become obsolete. With the uprise in technology, computers, projectors, and LCD monitors are now being used to impart knowledge to the students. Teachers nowadays use smartboards instead of blackboards.

The usage of the audio-visual mediums such as projectors and LCD monitors has helped to make the learning process more interactive, and therefore, it becomes fun. Students can now share as well as learn from one another in a much easier way. The internet also offers a simpler way of research than going to the library and consulting hundreds of books.

In addition, many institutions now have Learning Management Systems or LMS in place. They handle operations such as distributing the learning materials digitally, sharing information such as important announcements and grades, and much more. As a result, teachers, as well as the administrative staff in the institutes, do not need to handle these things manually, saving them lots of time and energy.

Lecture Capture System or LCS is another technology that is now getting popular in the field of education. With the help of this system, lectures given by the teachers in the classrooms can be recorded digitally and can be shared with students as video files. Students can watch these videos later for reference. This eliminates the process of jotting down the notes during a lecture.

All of these implementations of technology have made learning and preparing for the IAS exam a lot easier.

Invention of E-Books

Ebooks have made a massive impact on the consumption of knowledge. In the days of physical books, one could only gather so much knowledge from the books they had. In case they needed additional information, students would have to go to the library and consult. The whole process was overwhelming and tiresome. Now, with the invention of ebooks, students can carry hundreds, if not thousands, books on their computers, tablets, and even on their smartphones. They can also share them with anyone if needed. Teachers can also share study materials in the form of books with anyone at any time in the day. All of these have made learning more accessible and convenient for both the students and teachers.

Online Learning Platforms and Apps

Online learning platforms have increased at a significant rate in recent days. These platforms provide a fantastic opportunity for students preparing for the IAS exam to learn and gather knowledge at their convenience. These online learning platforms offer high-quality educational resources. Furthermore, teachers can lessen their workload as they do not need to prepare study materials all on their own. On the other hand, students get all the information they need directly on their devices.

Besides, several apps offer study material for free. Many students pursuing higher education or preparing for the IAS exam can make use of these apps. They have proved to be an excellent resource for learning.

Potential Challenges in incorporating technology in higher education

Similar to everything else, the incorporation of technology in higher education comes with a few challenges. Here are some of the hurdles that the education sector will have to overcome to fully utilize the digital revolution.

Cost: One of the most significant hurdle in using technology to improve how education is imparted is cost. Whether it is the installation of the audio-visual medium or Learning Management Systems, all of them come with a hefty price tag. In a developing country such as India that can be a major issue.

Plagiarism: The internet has an abundance of study materials. While it is helpful, it can also make students lazy. They might become prone to plagiarizing content they are supposed to create themselves. This, in turn, will hinder their growth.

Digital Distraction: A plethora of content is available on the internet - both educational as well as entertaining. Some of them are even addictive. There is a fair amount of chance of students getting distracted while switching between their computers and smartphones searching for study material. To solve this issue, educational content needs to be engaging, and certain disciplinary manners must be incorporated in the classroom. 

Over the coming years, technology will bring education closer to many more people around the world. The way technology is spreading, and newer inventions are being made all over the world, we can only expect that it will have a more significant impact on education. However, experts in the sector need to work to see that technology is being used only for the betterment of education.

This Article is a Guest Post. Read more Guest posts  here.