Online learning a game changer in bridging skill gap

“The future of education will see a stronger alignment between academia and industry needs. There is a growing recognition of practical skills aligned with industry demands,” says Nikhil Barshikar, Founder and CEO, Imarticus Learning.

As the EdTech industry continues to grow, what significant trends or technological advancements do you see shaping the future of education?

We are witnessing the emergence of immersive technologies. The future will nurture learning experiences that utilise technology for personal growth. There are five primary trends and advancements that will realise this vision into reality.

1)            Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality. These innovations will transform learning into an interactive and inspiring experience.

2)            Adaptive learning, driven by AI, which concentrates on customising education to individual needs, granting control over the pace and style of learning.

3)            Blockchain will enhance credential verification, and collaborative platforms will cultivate global education networks.

4)            Microlearning and gamification will make learning captivating and enjoyable.

5)            The EdTech industry is observing a substantial trend towards upskilling in fields like Data Science, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and AI. These courses are gaining popularity due to the increasing demand for skills in data utilization and AI-driven technologies, enabling professionals from various backgrounds to thrive in an ever-evolving work landscape.

EdTech has played a vital role in facilitating remote learning during challenging times like the pandemic. How do you see EdTech continuing to impact traditional education models even beyond the pandemic era?

The pandemic made us understand that education is boundless. Even though traditional in-person learning and classroom structures have returned, there now exists a compelling need and desire for upskilling in professionals through online learning. Online learning grants individuals the opportunity to enhance their skills without disrupting their daily routines.

In India, we often witness a gap between the knowledge imparted in educational institutions and the expectations of hiring organizations. Online learning is becoming a game changer, particularly in bridging this skill gap.

In India, we often witness a gap between the knowledge imparted in educational institutions and the expectations of hiring organizations. Online learning is becoming a game changer, particularly in bridging this skill gap. It is an enabler for collaborations between academia and industry allowing students to gain access to high-quality courses which will make them job-ready.

Personalized learning has been a key focus in EdTech. How do you ensure that EdTech solutions cater to diverse learning styles and individual student needs effectively?

Our EdTech solutions incorporate AI to analyze learning patterns, tailoring content and pacing to students’ unique needs. Our adaptive assessments, real-time feedback, and a growth mindset foster a diverse learning environment where individual preferences and proficiency levels are accommodated. We also prioritise interactive simulations and multisensory materials that address different learning styles.

With the plethora of EdTech tools available, how do you assess the effectiveness and educational value of your products or services?

We rigorously test our products through educator and learner engagement, employing feedback loops for continuous improvement. Metrics such as learning outcomes, placement numbers, engagement levels, and user feedback guide us in evaluating the efficacy and educational value of our offerings.

The accessibility of education is a critical aspect. How does your EdTech company ensure that its offerings are inclusive and reach learners from diverse backgrounds?

Our blended learning approach of online and classroom learning gives flexibility to accommodate every learner’s requirement. Our offerings also cater to a wide range of learning requirements from degree to certification to executive programs and even corporate training. We design our interfaces and content with accessibility in mind, considering a wide range of learning preferences.

Imarticus Learning respects its user’s privacy and is committed to protecting any personal information shared with us. We use personal information solely to provide our services to the consumers/customers.

Data privacy and security are crucial when dealing with student information. What measures does your EdTech company take to safeguard user data and maintain user trust?

Data protection is paramount. We employ encryption, secure servers, and frequent audits to ensure the security of user data. Imarticus Learning respects its user’s privacy and is committed to protecting any personal information shared with us. We use personal information solely to provide our services to the consumers/customers. Consumers/customers have complete control over the privacy of their information. The personal information shared with us will never be sold, exchanged, or disclosed to third parties for marketing purposes. Consumers/customers can browse our website without registration. We may collect and store the information that consumers/customers voluntarily disclose to us, in order to access our free content and discussion forum.

The integration of AI and ML has become prevalent in EdTech. How do you leverage AI/ML to enhance learning experiences and support educators?

We use AI and ML to provide personalized content recommendations, real-time progress tracking, and intelligent teaching systems. Educators benefit from data-driven insights to tailor instructions, while AI-driven assessment tools provide instant feedback to learners, enhancing the overall learning experience.

The EdTech market is highly competitive. What strategies does your company employ to stay ahead and continuously innovate in this dynamic landscape?

At Imarticus Learning we believe in offering learning programs that are aligned with industry requirements, making students job-ready. Our curriculum is highly responsive to the rapidly evolving industry landscape, integrating cutting-edge technologies and practical skills. Our programs are designed to prioritise academia and industry requirements, incorporating real-world business simulations, guest lectures, case studies, and internships. This synergy makes graduates more job-ready and enhances their employability.

Looking ahead, what are your predictions for the future of EdTech, and how do you see it reshaping the educational landscape globally?

I think the future of education will see a stronger alignment between academia and industry needs. There is a growing recognition of practical skills aligned with industry demands. Professionals will look to upskill and focus on acquiring futuristic skills like data science, data analytics, generative AI, etc. to stay relevant in their industry.

The Future of Jobs report by the World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025, over half of all employees will require significant reskilling. This has prompted a shift towards experiential learning and skill-focused programs that empower students with the abilities required in the ever-evolving professional world.

Nikhil Barshikar

Founder and CEO, Imarticus Learning

aanchalg@cybermedia.co.in