Ashish Khare is an Entrepreneur, a Certified Business Coach and Life coach, a Public speaker and a Startup mentor with more than 25 years’ experience in successful business leadership, led teams and organizations to innovate, build, implement business solutions & products in the field of Information Technology and services for customers across 20+ countries.
Prior to the pandemic, educational institutes emphasized in-person interactions and actual classrooms. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, virtual learning rose to prominence. According to UNESCO, the epidemic affected the studies of 1.6 billion schoolchildren worldwide. COVID-19, on the other hand, heralded a new age of digital transformation in the education sector. As a result, online and hybrid learning models gained traction and have continued to grow ever since!
Despite this, it is difficult to foresee the outcome and the precise route that education will follow. It is a realistic choice for students of all ages due to variables such as updated technology, computer speed, and increasing internet bandwidth. As technological advancements continue, the evolution of virtual learning in education will follow the factors that benefit humans’ state of mind and connectivity.
Virtual Learning- An Understanding
Virtual learning is a learning experience that is enhanced by the use of cutting-edge technology such as cloud-based platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), to name a few! Furthermore, both outside and inside the educational organization’s facilities, electronics such as computers and/or the internet are present. The vast majority of training is delivered online. Because instructional activities are conducted online, the teacher and pupils are physically separated (in terms of place, time, or both).
The Indian online education market is expected to be worth INR 325.48 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 17.19 percent between fiscal years 2021 and 2026, according to a Research and Markets report. The report further states that Indians feel more comfortable with traditional face-to-face learning, which impedes the adoption of virtual learning. Online channels fall short of replicating some qualities of offline channels, such as peer contact, group learning, feedback, and soft skill development. There is a lack of institutional recognition throughout the country, as well as poor digital infrastructure.
Virtual learning- A necessary tool
Virtual learning has now become a necessary educational tool. People of all ages are using and accessing virtual learning classrooms successfully now and in the future. Even if online learning has limitations, the availability and benefits of online programmes can help to overcome these limitations by fostering progressive growth with diversifying demands.
Flexibility and accessibility
Because of virtual learning environments, people can now engage in classes on their own time. They can learn at their own pace, which is a convenient way to enhance their skills. Learners with physical disabilities have easier access to classes that might otherwise be unavailable in a traditional educational setting.
Cost-effective
The cost-effectiveness of virtual learning is one of its most obvious advantages for parents. There are no travel expenses to consider because sessions are held in the comfort of their own homes. When people spend less time on the road, their carbon impact decreases. It’s a win-win situation for both parents and the health of our world!
Online educational courses are more expensive than traditional schools. Master’s degree programmes, for example, are less expensive online than in-person classes.
Improved time management skills
Distance education reduces the amount of time spent travelling in morning traffic. People can use that time to finish jobs and projects, giving them extra time afterwards. Learners in virtual classes are encouraged to manage their work, study time, and leisure activities.
Relationship Building
People can benefit from virtual learning experiences since they have shared interests and can assist one another with homework or join study groups. They are better suited to developing collaboration abilities through online and offline interactions. It also helps them develop their social skills.
Improved technological abilities
As technology progresses, instructors will have access to an increasing number of virtual learning platforms. There are a number of amazing learning technology tools designed to improve both online classrooms and adult learning experiences. Each of these platforms has its own method of engaging scholars, whether it’s through online chats, raising their hands to ask a question, or participating in active conversations.
Platforms for virtual learning environments can assist both learners and teachers in broadening their awareness of the most recent digital trends and applications. Learning how to use new platforms increases confidence, increases productivity, and aids in the development of 21st-century skills.
Bringing the skill Gap
For the time being, ed-tech platforms are bridging the gap by deploying conversational AI bots in the mix of human and computer language, making communication between individuals easier and more natural. Higher education leaders are working to ensure that the overall online experience is robust and meaningful, in addition to guaranteeing diversity and equal access.
Through conversational, multichannel, and multilingual AI bots coupled with social platforms, educational institutions can also access high-quality Ed-tech products. Sectors across India are pushing notable innovation in the ed-tech field in precisely the direction of prospective growth.
Summing Up!
In this digitally driven world, where every sector around the world is taking the online route to improve the trajectory of education in India. There are several skills development, mentoring platforms that are assisting students & professionals in their career growth trajectory, however there are very few who are able to directly map with the career goals of Individuals
It is clear that education combined with professional skill is the need of the hour in order to fit into the current employment scenario, bridging the actual skilled workforce shortage. As a result, Virtual Learning is assisting in the benefit of bridging the Skills Gap toward progressive growth.