Digital classes open up huge opportunities for analytics to better serve students’ needs. This is also a great time for Education Technology companies in India, serving the primary and high school student categories, to bring advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Block Chain to the mainstream. AI would be a major game changer not only for on-the-fly learning assessment, but also play an equally important role in tailoring content. AI-based evaluation, scoring and grading systems can greatly reduce the time currently spent by teachers in such activities. Block chain can be leveraged for test validation and secured, trusted issue of completion certifications, amongst other things.

As with all good things, there would be a fair share of challenges that would accompany. Sudden drop in enrolments could be immediately evident in many schools that cater to the lower and underprivileged socio-economic strata. Among others, this could have a direct impact on the sponsorship of technology enablement initiatives, a catch-22 of sorts, as enrolments account for most of the funding in education systems in India.

There could be some apprehensions in embracing online learning – teachers might feel their jobs could be rendered redundant, in the longer term, if not immediately. Likewise, students might feel pressurised by increased scrutiny and monitoring at home, more so when parents are around.

In order to be better-prepared for future crisis, educational institutions might establish parallel open learning and accreditation systems for seamless transition; a move that can help students during emergencies but could also substantially reduce human resources involved in support and administrative functions.

The concept of an immersive classroom experience might get a huge makeover. Additionally, due to increased isolation levels, mental wellness issues could be on the rise.