Covid has affected every part of life including work, education, and even play. This led to the term “The New Normal” which signifies how on the one hand online work saved many jobs and businesses and on the other hand online education helped millions across the world to continue their study progress.
Online learning is proved to be a revolution in the field of education. It helped knowledge and skill development reach rural and isolated areas. Online education during the Covid-19 period has increased the standard of education due to the introduction of fresh concepts and numerous inventions in the field. In addition, it has guaranteed quality education is easier to access at an affordable rate as per convenience.
But, the post-Covid led to confusion in choosing the mode of education, whether to go online, offline or a mix of both modes. The answer should be a mix of both modes. Varun Gupta, Founder of IMTS Noida said that “Online can optimize the learning process, while offline can make it more practical-oriented. A healthy mix of online and offline blended learning can create a workforce that has both knowledge and skills. The great advantage of blended learning is that it offers “the best of both worlds”
India is the third largest in its higher education system after China and US lack an equitable education due to reasons like unaffordability and lack of opportunity. Online education will erase the biggest obstacle to the accessibility of the education system. Students will be saving course fees, physical relocation, and associated overheads, thus, reducing costs and accessibility issues.
As India’s skill gap is getting worse in the job market, this blended method of imparting education will bridge this gap cost-effectively and quickly. The information technology sector skill gap is especially higher as per a recent Skillsoft’s 2022IT Skills and Salary Report.
As per a recent report by Nasscom-Zinnov, India there is a projected shortage of 14-19 lakhs tech professionals by 2026.
These shortages can be easily filled efficiently and economically through a mix of online and offline learning. This technology can be used as an opportunity to supplement, transform and improve the learning process. It will create a levelled job opportunities for all.