Ever since technological innovations led to a massive breakthrough in the education industry, a plethora of opportunities has opened up for many B2B models. Advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have already proven their mettle in the Edtech industry on a global scale. These advanced technologies are backed by numerous applications that enhance the everyday learning experience of students around the world. In India, AI is paving the way as a much superior form of technological solution, which will create numerous opportunities in the B2B Edtech industry and contribute to shaping the future of education.
The Evolution of AI
Artificial Intelligence is a popular buzzword that has overtaken the entire education industry. Many educational firms have upped their game to adapt to this change and are actively involving themselves in the perpetual technological breakthroughs happening in Edtech worldwide.
Artificial Intelligence in recent times is one such driving force which is bringing unprecedented transitions in Edtech firms, thus revolutionising the business play among the B2B organisations. Be it AI-based personalised education programs that cater to the specific requirements of learners and recommends courses based on their interests, AI-driven chatbots that interact and provide useful information as per users’ query or AI-enabled assessments that analyse their learning gaps and provide suggestive improvements, Artificial Intelligence is indeed making some big changes in the way teaching-learning processes take place. Even as simple as automating the grading process in school, the primary use of AI is allowing teachers to focus more on improving their classroom teaching and helping students in their academic pursuits than on other tedious works.
How is AI in Ed-Tech creating countless business opportunities for the B2B players?
To answer this, first, we must understand the impact AI has on redefining the experience of different stakeholders and how Edtech companies have infused this technology into the existing classroom education.
There’s no denying that ever since the inception of AI, it has become quite ubiquitous, especially in the education industry. The significant use of artificial intelligence in enhancing students’ learning experience has made their life easier and is constantly driving them to a more advanced and tech-savvy future world.
According to a discussion paper presented by NITI Aayog in 2018, AI technology can contribute up to USD 1 trillion to the Indian economy by 2035 by automating and streamlining routine activities in every industry. AI’s estimated impact on India’s education industry is even more significant.
Let’s understand some of the AI-driven solutions provided by the Edtech companies in India that have completely transformed students’ way of learning.
- AI-based Adaptive Tests – Imagine writing an exam where your calibre is tested based on your responses and level of conceptual understanding and, receiving remedial suggestions on enhancing that understanding. Yes, AI-based adaptive assessment solutions like these exist and are slowly eradicating exam phobia from students’ minds.
These tests are tailor-made and estimate the ability of students based on their previous responses while eliminating any chance of bias and favouritism. This way, broader skill levels of students can be measured that will motivate them to upgrade their knowledge-set after taking each test; no question will be too hard or too easy for them.
- AI-driven Courses and Programs – With the rise of AI-driven courses, personalised learning solutions have gained tremendous momentum in the education industry. Not all children have similar interests and pace when it comes to learning. Previously, it was impossible to keep track of all students and their learning progress inside the four walls of the classrooms.
With AI-driven customised course modules and programs, an evident shift from highly-standardised courses to highly-personalised courses for students can be observed. The individual preferences, abilities and pace of learning are imbibing a deeper understanding of concepts and keeping students more engaged and focused without the fear of missing out on any vital concept while learning.
- AI-enabled Proctoring – The time of the pandemic and the lockdown have shown Indian Edtech companies that any challenges, crises and limitations can be overcome with the enormous power of technology by its side. AI-enabled proctoring is one example that has ensured a safe way for students to write exams, even during unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. Students need not physically visit examination centres anymore, thus assuring complete safety.
It has even reduced the risk of postponing or cancelling the exams because of a lack of invigilating resources. AI-enabled proctoring has raised the bar of remote invigilation by assuring that the academic calendar could be followed on time and students can be assessed from anywhere without compromising the security, integrity, understanding, convenience and feasibility of exams.
- AI-based Chatbots – AI-based Chatbots are like teachers’ virtual assistants in an online classroom. They help students understand basic concepts, solve their doubts and provide information as per the queries raised. Since it is not practically possible for teachers to be available to students all the time, AI-based Chatbots are providing students with multiple tools to access knowledge anytime so as to bridge and flag off any learning gaps due to the unavailability of the teachers.
Artificial Intelligence, in the real sense elevating the Edtech firms in India
AI and ML are the two key breakthroughs in the Indian Edtech industry that will help the nation achieve its ambitions, which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. One such goal is to empower educators with high-end tools and training programmes for leveraging advanced technologies in a highly-efficient manner. This will also make students self-sustaining, self-reliant and future-ready. Therefore, the role the Indian Edtech firms play in achieving the country’s desired targets in education becomes even more paramount. The way they harness the true potential of AI and ML and facilitate the same to all the stakeholders would sooner or later become a critical factor in shaping the future of Education Technology in India.
The Author is the Head- Marketing, Next Education
