Policy reforms, technology integration, & global collaborations to reshape educational landscape in B'luru

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: As the year 2024 unfolds, the educational landscape is standing at the threshold of a transformative era, poised for significant changes fueled by progressive policy reforms.

With a keen focus on digitization and the formal recognition of online education, the sector is gearing up for a paradigm shift that is set to redefine traditional norms.

Government initiatives, such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the State Education Policy introduced by the Karnataka Government, are instrumental in enhancing the quality and accessibility of educational content.

Moreover, the acknowledgement of online platforms as essential contributors to increasing enrollment marks a pivotal moment in educational evolution.

The encouragement of foreign universities to establish campuses in India and the facilitation of collaborative initiatives with domestic educational institutions signify a departure from conventional norms.

Dr. Radhika Y, Associate Dean of Academics at GITAM (Deemed to be University), emphasizes the potential diversification of courses and the growth of online and blended learning models.

She also highlights the increased focus on vocational and skill-based education, as well as the rise of AI-driven education, all of which are integral aspects of the evolving educational landscape.

Shashi Banerjee, Director of Education at Shiv Nadar School, adds a layer of insight to the ongoing transformation.

He underscores the shift from isolated subject fields to multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary curricula, reflecting the changing needs of a technology-driven and globally connected world.

Banerjee emphasizes the importance of human ingenuity and innovation, asserting that technological breakthroughs must be harnessed to prioritize human creativity and compassion.

The article further explores the role of technology in transcending and transforming the learning experience. Banerjee highlights the impact of social media, AI, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in tailoring pedagogies to individual student needs.

The integration of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality is identified as transformative, redefining teaching and learning beyond mere substitution and augmentation.

Learner-centred assessments, a departure from rote learning, are identified as a significant trend, with developments in neuroscience and psychology contributing to a deeper understanding of effective and joyful learning.

The shift from overly managed examinations to unsupervised examinations, grounded in honesty, ethics, and fairness, is predicted to gain momentum.

The shift from learning solely for material gain to learning for positive change is underscored, with creativity and compassion embedded within curricula.

The global movement towards a more peaceful world and resilient humanity is posited as a collective goal, echoing the evolving philosophy within the education sector.

As 2024 unfolds, the educational landscape is not merely adapting but actively shaping a future that is responsive to the dynamic needs of society and the individual learner.