Frontlist | Utilizing education technology to enhance India’s employability and bridge the skill gap

The overwhelming nature of technology has disrupted the businesses processes over the years, especially for the working class. The resistance towards upgrading skills has put the employable population under distress, however, the growing demand of skilled professionals (in every industry) has influenced the people to learn new approaches and skills leading to tremendous trailblazing opportunities across the world. Overview: Several studies have suggested that India's poor systematic skill gap has had an opportunity cost of approximately $1.97 trillions. Moreover, as per the 2019-2020 Global Skills Gap Report by Udemy, 84% of the candidates found that given the pace at which technology and skills are changing, their knowledge is becoming obsolete.

The state of skill development in India?

Education is not just restricted to classroom knowledge, but the concept of skills which consists of technical expertise, vocational skills, digital skills, and other skills required for employment and earning livelihood. In India, the lack of training and proper education has limited the growth of people and has restricted the access to well-paid opportunities. Even with a 70% literacy rate, there is a significant percentage of the population that is unemployable due to poor knowledge and skills related to subject matter. Another survey reports that only 25% of the Indian workforce has participated in a skill development programme. However, India needs a higher number of skilled workforce to sustain its operations and get ahead in the competition.

How can EdTech help?

The disparity between in-classroom learning and practical experience has led to an increased gap in the employability of people in the country. The changing times calls for taking effervescent, strategic actions that not only encourage but also enable students, candidates to fill the dearth of practical experience. Today, technology is playing a dominant role in generating employable skilled force. Education technology, such as Integration of Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, 3D Classes, and more, supports student growth through practical applicability of the subject matter giving them the edge to plan and apply the methods in real life. Technology stimulates theoretical learning into a real life scenario which the student can experience and learn from. The learning is safe while having a lasting impact on the brain. The adoption of technology enables the students to keep track of their abilities and also directs them towards a more fruitful direction and helps them become more independent - which is essential for the future. Furthermore, the digital experience helps them gain skills which are required by the industry improving their employability. Diagnostic tools help identify where the students can improve, it helps in upskilling and reskilling wherever required.

Path Forward

India is facing a monstrous challenge to inculcate technology in education for a huge portion of the population due to poor reach, lack of flexibility, adaptability and financial incapability, especially in Tier-2 and Tier 3 cities. Nonetheless, the metropolitan cities are progressing at Good speed with people more educated and advanced to encourage their kids to become skilled. Read More: ‘Vedanya Voices’ An Exclusive Storytelling Session For Bonding Children And Parents At Central Park Resorts Source: India Today