I've been observing the recent announcement by the Delhi government regarding its new 'School Web App' with keen interest. On the surface, any step towards digitizing education is commendable, holding the promise of greater efficiency, accessibility, and a more interactive learning environment. But the question that immediately arises for me is: Can it truly drive the digitisation of education, or will it merely be another digital tool that skirts the deeper transformation needed?
My reflections on leveraging technology for societal good span many years. I've often spoken about the need for integrated, cooperative systems rather than fragmented solutions. For instance, in discussions around renewable energy, I advocated for "Co-operative Methods" and "Technology based Solutions" that go beyond individual installations to create a robust, interconnected grid Dear PM : Here is how to take Surya to Cities. Similarly, in education, I envision a future where digital platforms aren't just an add-on but a fundamental layer of the learning experience, offering seamless integration and accessibility. I once highlighted how even in the broader policy landscape, initiatives like the New Education Policy – 2020 aim for students to “earn CREDITS in one college / University and be able to freely transfer it across the country” through online courses Dear PM : Here is how to take Surya to Cities. This speaks to a holistic digital infrastructure, not just a standalone app.
The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted the outcome or challenge of fragmented digital efforts, and I had even proposed solutions focusing on systemic integration and cooperative frameworks. Now, seeing how things have unfolded with various digital initiatives, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context of digitizing our schools.
When we talk about the digitisation of education, it must be more than just putting existing processes onto an app. It requires a fundamental rethinking of how students learn, how teachers teach, and how administrations manage. It demands robust digital infrastructure, equitable access to devices and internet connectivity, comprehensive teacher training, and curriculum adaptation. Without these foundational elements, an app, no matter how well-designed, risks becoming a superficial layer.
I recall reviewing detailed policy proposals, such as those summarized in the 'Model Manifesto 2024' Model Manifesto 2024, which included points like “Providing access to leading journals, free of cost, to students from National Digital Library of India.” Such initiatives, often championed under the broader vision of leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi (https://in.linkedin.com/in/narendramodi, n.modi@india.gov.in), hint at a desire for nationwide digital literacy and access. However, the true impact lies in the execution and how these digital tools integrate into the daily lives of students and educators. Just as Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar (rajiv.kumar@eci.gov.in) emphasized the need for transparency and financial implications for election promises Model Manifesto 2024, I believe the success of digital education initiatives must be measured by clear, transparent metrics that demonstrate actual learning outcomes and systemic improvements, not just app downloads.
Ultimately, the Delhi government's 'School Web App' is a step. But for it to be a true driver of educational digitisation, it must be part of a larger, well-thought-out digital ecosystem, embracing cooperation, transparency, and a deep understanding of the user's needs. Only then can we move beyond the app to real, transformative impact.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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