Digitizing Education: Unveiling the Landscape of Digital Learning in India

 DIGITAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES Of INDIA

Introduction 

The Indian government also launched the ‘Digital India’ initiative in July 2015, to strengthen online infrastructure and expand internet accessibility among citizens (for example, connecting rural areas to high-speed internet networks). As part of ‘Digital India’ initiative, the government also started e-Education initiative to provide online education in remote and urban areas using smart phones, apps and internet services. 
Further, amid the pandemic, the Indian government has taken several initiatives (e.g., PM eVIDYA programme, DIKSHA, etc.) to make it at par with some global online education best practices and relaxed regulations for universities and colleges to offer extended online and distance learning opportunities to students. 

Digital Education Initiatives and their Purposes 

Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) – Initiatives for Digital Education.

 
National Digital Educational Architecture (NDEAR)

In the Union Budget 2021-22, the Indian government established the National Digital Educational Architecture (NDEAR) to strengthen digital infrastructure and support activities related to education planning. The NDEAR aims to offer distinct education ecosystem architecture for advancement of digital infrastructure in the country and guarantee autonomy of stakeholders, especially states and UTs. 

* PM eVIDYA Programme *

The government introduced the PM eVIDYA programme in May 17, 2020 to make e-learning more accessible for Indian students and teachers and promote & strengthen digital education in India. The programme aims to converge all activities related to online/digital education and is expected to benefit ~25 crore school students. 
The programme will also encompass designing unique e-content for hearing and visually impaired students and offering radio/podcasts and QR-coded digital textbooks to school students (Classes 1 to 12) on the DIKSHA portal. 
Under this, top 100 universities were permitted to begin online courses, provide better learning prospects to 3.7 crore higher education students and enhance e-learning by relaxing regulatory framework for distance/open/online education. 

* DIKSHA * 

In September 2017, the government introduced DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing), a national portal for school education, to offer school curriculum-based engaging learning materials to students, teachers, and parents. The portal supports >18 Indian languages and has been implemented by 35 states/UTs.
• Teachers have access to learning aids like lesson plans, worksheets and activities, to create enjoyable classroom experiences. 
• Students will be able to understand concepts, revise lessons and do practice exercises. Parents can follow classroom activities and clear doubts outside school hours. 
• Amid the pandemic, the portal has been widely used by students to access digital textbooks and other material from home. The QR codes placed in textbooks provide a ready gateway for any new/modified content to be uploaded on DIKSHA.

* e-Learning *  

As part of PM eVidya announced under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat programme, DIKSHA is the ‘one nation; one digital platform’ for school education in India.
It is a national platform available for schools in all states.
DIKSHA is available for grades from 1 to 12.
DIKSHA can be accessed through mobile application and web portal.
DIKSHA contains courses for Teachers, quizzes and others
Lots of e-content will be provided which are aligned with the curriculum. Large number of case studies and solutions will be provided with the help of Energised Textbooks (ETB’s) which are QR coded. 

* SWAYAM * 

In 2017, the government launched Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) to offer an integrated platform for online courses at affordable costs to all citizens, especially the underprivileged section in the country. 
The portal hosts Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to offer quality education on various subjects for students (from Class 9-12 to Under Graduates and Post Graduates). 
• Under the Digital India initiative, National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has been identified as one of the partners for the National MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) initiatives for “Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM)”. 

• The objective of this effort is to take the best teaching learning resources to all, including the most disadvantaged. 

• The MOOCs are developed using the four-quadrant approach – text in PDF, a teaching video, self-assessment exercises and discussion forum. NCERT has launched 34 online courses for students (Classes XI-XII) and teachers on the SWAYAM portal. 

SWAYAM was developed by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) with the help of Microsoft and was specifically designed to benefit working professionals, college dropouts, and students from remote areas. 
For open schools and pre-service education Approximately ninety-two (92) course contents relating to the National Institute of Open Schooling from grades 9 to 12 were uploaded on the SWAYAM portal. The contents can be accessed through SWAYAM.
The strength of SWAYAM lies in its qualitative evaluation system, recognition of credits and equity access, and affordability.
Its history can be traced back to 2003 with the initiation of the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) by the IITs and IISc. 
Though it focused on courses in Engineering, Science, and humanities stream, the horizon was broadened to all disciplines in the higher education sector in 2009 with the launch of the National Mission of Education through ICT (NME-ICT). 

* SWAYAM PRABHA * 

In 2017, SWAYAM PRABHA, a group of 34 DTH (Direct-to-Home) channels dedicated to broadcasting educational programmes 24x7, was introduced. 
The channels broadcast new content for a minimum of four hours every day, and this is repeated five times in the same day for students to select a convenient slot. 
• The SWAYAM PRABHA is a group of 34 DTH channels devoted to telecasting educational programmes on 24x7 basis. 
• The content is provided by National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), IITs, UGC, CEC, IGNOU, NCERT and NIOS. 
Swayam Prabha TV channels MHRD dedicated thirty-two (32) channels to broadcast high-quality educational programs. It provides separate channels for school education and higher education. The initiative is still undergoing development and upgrading as the content & topics are expected to be organized by chapter and topic-wise in the future to ensure asynchronous usage by everyone anywhere, anytime. 

* Swayam Prabha – TV Channels * 

This mode of education is for people who do not have access to education.
High quality educational programmes are telecasted.
There are a total of 32 channels to meet the requirements.
Different channels are used for higher education and school education.
The Department of School Education and Literacy also tied up with private DTH operators like Tata Sky & Airtel to air educational video content to enhance the reach of these channels.
Number of TV channels for school education will increase from 5 to 12 to transform into ‘one class, one channel’, that is, one channel each for all grades from 1 to 12 channels.
To ensure asynchronous usage at anytime, anywhere, and by anyone, the same content will be organised by chapter & topics on DIKSHA.

SWAYAM – Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds.
Swayam Prabha TV Channels, For open schools and pre-service education, on Air.

 
* ePathshala Portal * 

In 2015, the government launched the ePathshala portal to build a resource store for educational videos, audios, flipbooks, etc. Resources on the portal are available in Indian languages such as Hindi, English and Urdu and can be accessed via smart phones, laptops, desktops and tablets.
 
• The ePathshala portal and mobile apps are a storehouse of audios, videos, ePubs, flipbooks etc.
 
* NISHTHA * 

In FY21, the National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA) - Phase II was launched at the secondary level to tailor modules for online education. As per the Union Budget 2021-22, ~5.6 million teachers will be trained under the NISHTHA training programme in FY22.
 
• NISHTHA is a capacity building programme for improving the quality of school education through Integrated Teacher Training.
 
• It aims to build competencies among all teachers and school principals at the elementary stage. Amid pandemic, teacher training modules have been adapted for online dissemination and other stages of education.
 
* OLabs *  

To offer students lab learning experience via the internet, the government introduced OLabs in November 2014 for those who do not have access to physical labs.
 
• The OLabs are based on the idea that lab experiments can be taught using the Internet, more efficiently with fewer expenses. The labs can also be made available to students with no access to physical labs or where equipment is not available owing to being scarce or costly.
 
• The content is aligned to NCERT/CBSE and state board syllabus in physics, chemistry, and biology from Class 9 to Class 12 and English and Maths lessons for Class 9 and 10.
 
* Virtual Labs * 

The Government of India introduced a pilot virtual lab in 2009 and the main one in 2010 to enable undergraduate and post-graduate students (pursuing science and engineering courses) remotely accesses the labs and enhances their study experience.
 
The virtual labs offer students a Learning Management System and various study aids such as video lectures, web resources, self-evaluation and animated demonstrations.
 
* National Digital Online Library * 

• National Digital Library of India (NDLI) is a virtual repository of learning resources and provides a host of services for the learner community. It is sponsored and mentored by the ministry of education through its National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT). It has more than 50 million resources.
 
* National Repository of Open Educational Resource * 

• NROER is a collaborative platform, which brings together everyone interested in school and teacher education. The project is managed by the Central Institute of Educational Technology, NCERT under the aegis of department of school education and literacy.
 
* Special e-content for students with disabilities * 

• NIOS offers content for students with disabilities such as content in Indian sign language for hearing impaired learners and ePub and DAISY enabled ‘talking books’ for visually impaired learners.
 
• It is reported that NIOS has developed more than 270 videos in sign language across seven subjects to provide educational access to learners at secondary level and on yoga courses.
 
* Mukta Vidya Vani (MVV) * 

• NIOS organises live interactive web streaming of Personal Contact Programmes (PCPs) for various subjects of secondary, senior secondary and vocational courses.
 
• These are organised for its learners through Mukta Vidya Vani (MVV), an open education radio facility for providing informational and educational content.
 
* Shiksha Vaani * 

• Shiksha Vaani is an audio-based learning initiative of CBSE and is available via Android app store. The podcasts cover various subjects at the secondary and senior secondary levels and are available both in English and Hindi.
 
Shiksha Vani Podcast with 430 audio contents owned by Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) is being used to deliver all the subjects of grades 1 to 12.
 
* Radio Broadcasting * 

The radio broadcasts focus on activity-based-learning.
For broadcasting content related to National Institute of Open Learning – NIOS (grades 9 to 12), 289 community radio stations have been used.
This mode of education is particularly useful for students who are living in remote areas, particularly for grades 5 to 1.
Shiksha Vani is a Podcast of the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE)
Shiksha Vani is used by learners of grades 12 to 9.
There are more than 430 pieces of audio content for all subjects from grade 12 to 1, in Shiksha Vani.
 
Along with these, other digital initiatives taken by the government include Shiksha Vani for widespread use of radio, the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) podcast, sign language content on the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) website/YouTube and Digitally Accessible Information System (DAISY) for accessing special e-content for hearing and visually impaired learners, and Free Open-source Software for Education (FOSSEE).
 
* Aim and objectives * 

This study aims to evaluate the Indian Government Initiatives for E-learning especially during the COVID-19. In extension, we intend to perform the following objectives:
 
Other Indian government pre-COVID19 E-learning initiatives include;
Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC),
National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL),
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU),
Online Education Broadcast and Virtual Classrooms, Sakshat,
Institute of Life Long Learning (ILLL),
School of Open Learning (SOL) E-learning Gateways.
 
* Vidya Daan *  

Vidya Daan was launched in April 2020 as a national content contribution programme to leverage the DIKSHA platform.
 
For the differently-abled One Direct-to-Home (DTH) channel is dedicated specifically to hearing-impaired students. Study materials in sign language are developed in Digitally Accessible Information System (DAISY) for visually and hearing-impaired students; the materials are available on YouTube and NIOS website.

It was launched in April, 2020. It is a content contribution program at national level that makes use of the DIKSHA platform and tools, it allows donation or contribution of e-learning resources for school education by experts, private bodies, and educational bodies.

 
* E-textbooks *  

Electronic textbooks are available on the e-Pathshala web portal and applications. It has mobile applications for android and iOS as well as windows desktop app.
It can be accessed by students, teachers and parents.
3,500 pieces of audio and video content of NCERT are available in different languages – English, Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi for the differently-abled students.
For hearing impaired students, one DTH channel is available with sign languages.
Study material has been developed in Digitally Accessible Information System (DAISY), for hearing and visually impaired.
National Repository of open educational resources (NROER) NROER has approximately 17,500 pieces of e-content of The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and other collaborative partners. The materials are available for various school subjects.
 
* National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT) * 

National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT) is proposed as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to support the development of ICT in the teaching and learning process for the benefit of all the learners in Higher Education Institutions in any time anywhere mode.

It is expected to be a major intervention in enhancing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education by 5 percentage points during the XI Five Year Plan period.
NMEICT contains all the three elements that serve well the three cardinal principles of Education Policy viz., access, equity, and quality.
 
* National Academic Depository * 

The National Academic Depository is a digital database of academic awards provided by the Government of India.
 
* e-Vidwan * 

It is the database of profiles of scientists/ researchers and other faculty members who are involved in academic institutions and other R & D organizations.
It provides information like an expert’s background, contact, address, experience, scholarly publications, skills and accomplishments, researcher identity, etc.
The database is developed by Information and Library Network center (INFLIBNET) with financial support from the National Mission on Education through ICT (NME-ICT).
  

* e-Yantra * 

Robotics outreach project
The goal of e-Yantra is to complement existing Higher Education systems worldwide and solve local problems across a variety of domains such as Agriculture, Disaster, Manufacturing Defense, Home, Smart Cities, and Service Industries through technology.
 
* Granthalaya * 

It is a digital platform developed by the National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India for Government Libraries.
It provides a complete ICT solution with integrated Library Management Software.
It transforms traditional libraries to e-Library with Digital Library Services like automation of in-house activities of libraries, digital library integration, etc.
 
* e-KALPA * 

Creating Digital-learning Environment for Design also called e-Kalpa is an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resources, Government of India as part of the National Mission in Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT). This project presents three initiatives –
providing digital online content for design,
a social networking environment for design and
higher learning and creating a digital resource database on design.
Interested candidates can check details on MDGs and SDGs here

*AI in Education*

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is revolutionizing the way students learn and educators teach. By leveraging AI, educational institutions can provide personalized learning experiences, tailor curriculum to individual student needs, and offer real-time feedback and assessment. AI-powered tools such as adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and automated grading software enhance efficiency and accuracy, allowing teachers to focus more on student engagement and development. Moreover, AI can analyze vast amounts of educational data to identify trends, predict student performance, and implement early interventions. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into the educational landscape promises to create more inclusive, accessible, and effective learning environments, preparing students for the demands of the future. For institutions looking to stay ahead, adopting AI-driven educational technologies is no longer optional but essential.

 
* E-learning schemes by some of the States/UTs selected using the above parameters are given below: * 
 
 * Delhi: * 
School Education: Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi launched “parenting in the time of Corona” on 4th April 2020 with the theme “Every home a school, every parent a teacher”. Other school education schemes are live online classes, digital entrepreneurship mindset class, Online happiness class for family among others.
Teacher Education: The government also established programs for the training of teachers and faculty members. These include among others; Online Capacity Building Programme (OCBP), and Learning Never Stop (LNS) lecture series.
 
* Punjab * 
The department of school education, Punjab initiated schemes to bring online education to each student. These involve; Creation of Mobile Application & System (iScuela Learn) which have hit over 100,000+ downloads as of January 2021, YouTube channel (Edusat Punjab), Radio & DTH/Cable TV channels, EDUSAT Contents through Satellite Network (Receive Only Terminal), E-books & month-wise e-book distribution, ICT Computer Labs, and Smart Classrooms.
 
* Andhra Pradesh  * 
The government of Andhra Pradesh has the following initiatives as part of her efforts to provide quality education to students; Abhyasa APP for teachers and students, E-contents for students, Toll-free voice and video calls for students in clearing their doubts and understanding critical topics, Facebook live training program, Radio and TV lessons, Webinar based ICT training, among others.
 
* Bihar * 
E-learning schemes in Bihar include; Digital Education Portal, Social Media Based Learning (Facebook and WhatsApp), YouTube Channel, TV Channel, and Mobile Applications (Unnayan: Mera Mobile Mera Vidyalaya, Vidyavahini Bihar).
 
* Jammu and Kashmir * 
Jammu and Kashmir Knowledge Network (JKKN) Samadhan AI-Based Educational Chatbot, Radio & TV Classes, Teachers Initiatives, are part of the tools used in ensuring learning continues during the COVID-19 era in Jammu and Kashmir.

**KEEP VISITING THE BLOG FOR UPDATE ON FOLLOWING**

E-learning platforms

EdTech startups

Online courses

Virtual classrooms

Remote learning

Digital literacy

Blended learning

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)

Gamification in education

Mobile learning apps

Adaptive learning technology

Online tutoring

Government initiatives in digital education

Digital skills development

Distance education

Open educational resources (OER)

AI in education

Personalized learning

Digital assessment and examinations

Teacher training in digital pedagogy

 
**Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Education in India

*Q.1. What is the impact of digital education in India?*
Direct and favourable impact on the environment, owing to the need for less paper, thereby helping to cut costs and maximize resources. India is thus favourably placed to reap the benefits of digitalization of education that can fundamentally change how we learn and what we learn.
 
*Q.2. What is the future of the digital education in India?*
This will certainly help in bridging the student teacher ratio gap in the near future. According to a report by the UK-India Business Council, India’s e-learning sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 17.4 per cent between 2013 and 2018, twice as fast as the global average.

*Q.3. What is digital education in India?*

 Digital education in India refers to the use of digital technologies and platforms to facilitate learning and teaching processes. It encompasses online courses, virtual classrooms, educational apps, and various digital tools to enhance the quality and accessibility of education.

*Q.4. What are the advantages of digital education in India?*

Digital education offers several advantages, including increased accessibility to education, flexibility in learning schedules, access to a wide range of courses and resources, personalized learning experiences, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to reach remote areas with limited educational infrastructure.

*Q.5. How is digital education impacting traditional education systems in India?*

Digital education is transforming traditional education systems in India by supplementing classroom learning with online resources, enabling remote learning opportunities, improving access to quality education for marginalized communities, and fostering innovation in teaching and learning methods.

*Q.6. What are some popular digital education platforms in India?*

Some popular digital education platforms in India include BYJU'S, Unacademy, Khan Academy, Coursera, Udemy, Vedantu, Toppr, and many others. These platforms offer a wide range of courses across various subjects and educational levels.

*Q.7. How is the government supporting digital education initiatives in India?*

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to support digital education, such as the Digital India campaign, National Digital Literacy Mission, SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds), and initiatives to promote digital infrastructure and connectivity in rural areas.

*Q.8. Is digital education accessible to all socio-economic groups in India?*

While digital education has the potential to reach a wide range of socioeconomic groups, there are still challenges related to internet connectivity, access to devices, digital literacy, and language barriers that may limit its accessibility, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

*Q.9. How can educators adapt to digital education trends in India?*

Educators can adapt to digital education trends by embracing technology in their teaching practices, exploring online teaching resources and platforms, participating in professional development programs focused on digital pedagogy, and collaborating with peers to share best practices and resources.

*Q.10. What role does digital education play in skill development and employability in India?*

Digital education plays a crucial role in skill development and employability in India by providing access to vocational training programs, certification courses, and skill-based learning opportunities that are aligned with industry needs and trends, thereby enhancing individuals' employability prospects.

*Q.11. How does digital education address the challenges of traditional classroom learning in India?*

Digital education addresses the challenges of traditional classroom learning in India by offering flexible learning options, personalized learning experiences, access to diverse learning resources, real-time feedback mechanisms, and opportunities for collaborative learning and peer interaction.

*Q.12. What are the future prospects of digital education in India?*

The future of digital education in India is promising, with continued advancements in technology, increasing internet penetration, and growing demand for online learning opportunities. It is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of education by making learning more accessible, flexible, and engaging for learners across the country.