How Tech Is Shaping Education

Technology can offer more flexibility and learning support than traditional formats

- PK Mishra

As I virtually addressed the Foundation Day programme of IIT-Jodhpur on the ‘Role of Technology in Shaping Education: the Future Vistas’, the topic for the day, in my view, was in sync with the way we were interacting. Coincidentally, the programme was organised using a technology platform, without all of us travelling to Jodhpur which would have meant more time, travels and other aspects of logistics.

Over the last few years, during my address at various convocations, I would often speak a few words on how technology was changing the way we live and work, and how “game changer” ideas such as smartphone revolution, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), robotics, blockchain technologies and Internet of Things would usher changes at a much faster pace than ever before. But, I never expected that the situation would be transformed so dramatically, so quickly. Role of technology has become predominant and its impact will be felt much more comprehensively in the field of education.

Tech enabled learning can not only bring in transformational change in online education experience, it can also enhance and supplement regular classroom based pedagogy. It could offer more flexibility and learning support than the traditional formats. Technology offers teachers the opportunity to become more collaborative and extend learning beyond classrooms. Educators could create learning communities comprising students, fellow educators and experts in various disciplines around the world.