M A Sikandar, P F Rahman
The widespread and growing use of digital technology
is reshaping the teaching-learning process in India. Covid-19 pandemic
accelerated such online learning and gave birth to several Education Technology
(EdTech) start-ups in India and across the globe. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic,
the forced online has created a digital divide in developing countries like
India. The digital divide is not restricted to developing countries but also
some developed countries. EdTech companies promise cost-saving, flexible and a
personal learning experience (LeX). It is also scalable to reach the unreached
population of the country to improve the gross enrollment ratio (GER). These
Edtech companies have existed for close to two decades and promised a great
future in the education space. The sudden growth of EdTech companies in India
also tapped learners' skilling and up-skilling or learning new skills while
still enrolling with the colleges and university institutions. As per the
funding pattern, India is the most preferred country for Edtech funding by
foreign investors. The Government of India has been giving a digital push in
the education sector through its various regulatory agencies, fueling growth
for Edtech companies in India. The present study evaluates the changing nature
of the education ecosystem because of the unexpected impetus of EdTech
start-ups in India. The study also explores the potential growth opportunities
and sustainability of the Edtech start-ups in India.
Education Technology, Online learning, Digital learning,
Edtech Start-ups, Covid-19 pandemic.
VOL.13, ISSUE No.4, December 2021