DIGITAL APPLICATION OF NEP 2020 IN HIGHER EDUCATION: AN OPEN UNIVERSITY CASE Dr. Shnaoli
Chakraborty Acharya 1 1 Assistant
Professor, Department of Education, West Bengal State University, Kolkata-
700126, West Bengal, India
1. INTRODUCTION Digital application is an approach to teaching that uses technology to improve and speed up the learning process. It entails delivering instructional information, involving students, and fostering interactive learning experiences through digital technologies and resources. Online classes, virtual classrooms, instructional applications, multimedia presentations, and other digital platforms fall under this category. Compared to traditional classroom-based education, this learning has several benefits. It gives students access to a wide range of materials and knowledge, allowing them to investigate various viewpoints and get information from many sources. Because students can choose materials that suit their interests and learning styles and advance at their own pace, enabling personalised learning experiences. It has been demonstrated that incorporating digital technologies into the classroom increases motivation and student involvement. Gamification and simulations are two examples of interactive learning activities that can enhance student engagement and retention by making learning fun and engaging. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive framework for transforming India's educational system Ministry of Education, Government of India (2020). This policy aims to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and the holistic development of students while promoting an egalitarian and inclusive approach to education. The NEP places significant emphasis on integrating digital applications and using technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences Ministry of Education, Government of India (2020). It recognises the potential of online resources and digital infrastructure to broaden access to high-quality education, particularly in rural regions. To support personalised and self-directed learning, the NEP advocates developing digital resources, including e-books, e-libraries, and e-courses Ministry of Education, Government of India (2020). Furthermore, it encourages incorporating technology-enabled innovations such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to create engaging and immersive educational experiences. The NEP underscores the importance of training teachers in digital pedagogy and the effective integration of technology into teaching methodologies Ministry of Education, Government of India (2020). It advocates for providing digital infrastructure in educational institutions, including digital devices and high-speed internet access. Following the implementation of the NEP, over 70% of Indian universities have adopted digital platforms. The overarching goal of the NEP is to establish a technology-enabled, learner-centred educational framework that promotes the development of digital citizenship, digital literacy, and digital skills among students Ministry of Education, Government of India (2020). Several universities in India have successfully implemented digital policies under NEP 2020, showcasing innovative approaches to higher education. Delhi University has embraced NEP 2020 by integrating multidisciplinary learning and digital education platforms. The university has focused on equity and inclusion, ensuring students from diverse backgrounds benefit from digital advancements Singh (2023). HNB Garhwal University, a central university in Uttarakhand, has been proactive in implementing NEP 2020, even contributing to its finalisation. It established an implementation committee to oversee digital education strategies and translated the NEP document into the Garhwali language for local accessibility. The university has emphasised skill development, multiple entry-exit options, and field-based studies (https://hnbgu.ac.in/sites/default/files/2023-10/NEP%20implementation-%20Road%20traversed%20by%20the%20University.pdf). Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has documented success stories of NEP 2020 implementation across various institutions. Universities have adopted AI-driven learning, blockchain-based credential verification, and virtual internships to enhance digital education (https://www.education.gov.in/success-stories-and-best-practices-nep-2020-implementation). These examples highlight how universities leverage technology, inclusivity, and innovation to align with NEP 2020’s vision. 2. KNOWLEDGE BACKGROUND Throughout the 19th century, face-to-face instruction, textbooks, and chalkboards were the mainstays of the Indian educational system NCERT (n.d.). Audio-visual aids like overhead and film projectors were not employed in schools until the early 20th century Kumar (2016). ICT integration in education started in the late 20th century with the introduction of computers Kumar (2016). To make learning more dynamic and engaging, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) created software for various courses NCERT (n.d.). The Indian government has launched several programs in the twenty-first century to encourage ICT integration and digital literacy in the classroom. The incorporation of ICT tools into teaching and learning processes was stressed in the National Policy on ICT in School Education (2012). Schools increasingly use "smart classrooms," furnishing multimedia content, projectors, and digital whiteboards Government of India (2012). With online courses, instructional videos, interactive simulations, and collaborative tools available, online platforms, learning management systems, educational apps, and e-learning portals have grown in popularity Kumar (2016). The COVID-19 epidemic significantly expedited the shift toward remote learning and virtual classrooms using ICT in education NCERT (n.d.). Sarkar
(2023), in his study on
"Online and Digital Education in the Light of National Policy on Education
2020", proposed that research on ICT-based educational programs has to be expanded and improved to address the challenges of
providing high-quality education to everyone now and in the future. In addition
to enhancing young proficiency in the native language, this approach heavily
emphasises the Indian educational system, language culture, and values.
“Education in India: Digitisation towards NEP-2020 Policy” by Rudrawar and Ratnaparkhi (2023) discovered their ideas
by examining how the government introduced the National Education Policy (NEP),
which emphasises that rapid development of widespread education depends on
digitalisation. Additionally, it emphasises using edtech to advance education,
especially in rural regions. This primarily aims to provide high-quality
education nationwide (S. Arora in New Education Policy 2020 and Online
Education, 2023). The 2020 policy framework provided several significant
modifications to the Indian educational system. The current analysis focuses on
the NEP-2020 programs that are fundamental to online education. The strategy's
promotion of the production and dissemination of top-notch digital content for
elementary, secondary, and tertiary education is described in the article. The use of E-Learning and Integration with
NEP-2020 by Kumari
and Tiwari (2023) showed that the goal
of NEP 2020 is to provide the policy base for a new India. It aims to
revolutionise India's educational system so everyone may receive a top-notch
education, making the country a global knowledge superpower. Through NEP 2020,
we can integrate e-learning into our educational system, revolutionising the
field and enabling our students to keep up with the educational systems of
industrialised nations. An extensive analysis of Digital applications within
the framework of NEP 2020 was carried out by Das (2023), who stated that all
around the nation, education is being revolutionised by the Digital India
Campaign to become more technologically driven. Digital applications will
significantly influence the educational system's empowerment and results (The
Impact of Digitalisation of Education with NEP-2020 on Life Quality by Vishwakarma
and Singh (2023). The results demonstrated how NEP 2020's
digitalisation significantly and favourably affects people's quality of life.
The NEP 2020 policy is a well-liked education strategy for reforming education
and for a brighter future for society. However, because it requires
appropriate, flexible lifelong learning and training, its envisaged
implementation in digitalisation would be highly challenging. A brief review of
National Education Policy 2020 and Online and Digital Education was done by Sheergugri and
Raj (2022). The Education Policy 2020 is designed to
give all citizens access to high-quality education, positioning the country as
a prosperous and dynamic knowledge society. This strategic initiative is
expected to transform India’s educational framework significantly, rendering it
more inclusive, progressive, and aligned with contemporary needs. In their work
titled "Digital Education: Ensuring Equitable Use of Technology," Wadekar
et al. (2022) argue that addressing the digital divide is
essential; without this, the potential advantages of online and digital
applications cannot be fully realised. Equitable treatment of equity concerns
is crucial when using online and digital education technology. This essay
explores the current state of digital education in the Indian Republic, the
various barriers to and facilitators of acquiring digital education, and the
need for equal access to technology to close the digital divide. Research on
the impact of the 2020 education policy NEP (2020)
on universities has even found that it gives some ambitious young students an
advantage in skills development. The smooth execution is crucial to its
success. There is little doubt that NEP 2020 will solidify India's status as a
future superpower by radically altering the educational system in the years to
come. Technology integration in
education in NEP-2020 by ICT (2023) illustrates technology in education and proposes incorporating technology into the
classroom. Moreover, it focuses on the difficulties in implementing NEP 2020's
suggestions about using technology in the classroom. 3. DIGITAL APPLICATIONS- TAKEAWAYS FROM NEP 2020 Per the 2020 Education Policy, research on digital applications is quite important. NEP 2020 aims to revolutionise the Indian education system by incorporating digital tools and technology to enhance learning outcomes. We can better understand the implications, difficulties, and opportunities of digital usage by researching the recommendations of NEP 2020 in digital applications. It can assist in determining the optimum methods, approaches, and materials required to support smooth online learning environments. Additionally, it can highlight potential obstacles and injustices that may surface during the shift to digital platforms and provide guidance for creating interventions and policies to deal with them. Examine the efficacy of different Digital application platforms, tools, and approaches, including virtual reality, educational apps, online courses, and adaptive learning systems. It can offer perceptions on how these technologies can improve student learning results, individualised learning, and student engagement. Additionally, assess how prepared and capable educational institutions, teachers, and infrastructure are to adopt Digital applications successfully. It can provide advice on infrastructure development, teacher preparation, and digital literacy initiatives to create a favourable atmosphere for digital education. The study's importance stems from its capacity to provide valuable insights for evidence-based decision-making, policy development, and implementation tactics to achieve the goals delineated in NEP 2020 and cultivate an effective Digital application environment. 4. METHODOLOGY The research employed a qualitative design supported by
primary and secondary data sources. The study has tried to showcase various
viewpoints, theories, and empirical knowledge. The majority
of the research work has involved scanning and analysing the NEP-2020
document and other public material related to the subject. The fallout
consequences of technology initiative clauses have been found using the Delphi
technique. Finally, the study initiated a case study of Netaji Subhash Open
University, Kolkata, to justify the research findings. It has proceeded with the following
objectives - 1) To explore the various stages of digital application as outlined in NEP 2020. 2) To discuss the major initiatives on digital applications in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in the Higher Education sector. 5. UNFOLDING THE FOLDS The study has commenced according to the objectives- Objectives 1: To explore
the various stages of digital application as outlined in NEP 2020. Three critical
areas of focus by the NEP 2020 Committee regarding Digital application are
identified as follows: 1)
Usage
and Integration of Technology 2)
Digitalised
Learning: Ensuring equity in technology usage 3)
Initiating
a separate unit for developing a digitalised educational infrastructure of a
global standard The said policy recommended specific strategies that seek to integrate technology
into education at all levels appropriately:
·
Enhance
instruction, learning, and assessment. Encourage teacher preparation and
ongoing professional development. ·
Enhance
underprivileged groups' access to education
·
Simplify
educational administration and management, and
innovatively plan the admission and assessment procedures. ·
Educational
software should be created and accessible to all educators and learners. ·
Specially-abled
learners can access a comprehensive selection of instructional software
available in all Indian languages. ·
All
digital documents about schools, instructors, and students will be kept up to
date by the National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER). 5.1. Usage and Integration of Technology To provide a
platform for the unfettered exchange of ideas on how to use technology to
enhance planning, administration, evaluation, and learning in higher education
and the classroom, the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), an
independent organisation, will be founded. It will be able to do the following
functions: 1)
Offer
impartial, fact-based guidance on technology-based interventions to federal and
state government agencies. 2)
Develop
institutional and intellectual capabilities in educational technology. c)
Identify areas of strategic interest. 3)
Clearly
state new lines of inquiry and creativity 4)
To get
feedback from national and international educational technology academics,
entrepreneurs, and practitioners, arrange several regional and national
conferences, workshops, etc. All states, along
with the NCERT, NIOS, CIET, CBSE, and other organisations and bodies, shall
continue to generate e-content for teaching and learning in all regional
languages. Additionally, it will be posted on the DIKSHA website. Through
e-content, this platform can be used to support teachers' professional
development. CIET will be reinforced to support and grow DIKSHA and other
educational technology initiatives. Technology-based learning systems, like
SWAYAM or DIKSHA, will be more seamlessly incorporated into higher education
and schools. They will also include user feedback and ratings, allowing content
creators to produce high-quality, easily navigable information. The National
Research Foundation will start or increase research on artificial intelligence
(AI) in response to MHRD's official acknowledgement of the technology. NRF will
take a three-pronged approach to AI: a) improving core AI research, b) creating
and implementing application-based research, and c) expanding international
research that uses AI to address issues in global agriculture, healthcare, and
climate change. 1)
Disruptive
Technology: Contributions to the Curriculum in Schools As disruptive
technologies emerge, education and ongoing training will contribute to
increasing public understanding of their possible disruptive impacts.
Disruptive technologies, like those highlighted by NETF/Ministry of Education,
will be discussed in class as part of studying current events and ethical
issues. Appropriate teaching and discussion materials will also be developed
for continuing education. It is anticipated that disruptive technologies will
alter our way of life and how we instruct pupils. As a result, education will
give priority to topics like clean and renewable energy, water conservation,
sustainable agriculture, environmental preservation, and other green projects. 2)
Disruptive
Technology: Contributions to Post-secondary Education •
Universities
will try to provide PhD and Master's degrees in professional
domains like law, healthcare, and agriculture, multidisciplinary subjects like
AI + X and core areas like machine learning. •
For
quick adoption, HEIs may combine online learning with conventional instruction
in undergraduate and vocational programs. •
They may
create and distribute courses in these fields using various online platforms.
The SWAYAM platform, initiated by Govt. of India, could be a good example. •
Colleges
and universities may also provide specialised education in low-skilled jobs
essential to the AI value chain, including data annotation, voice
transcription, and image classification. Along with teaching students’ Indian
languages in the classroom, we can work to improve natural language processing
for the vast array of Indian languages spoken today. 5.2. Digitalised Learning: Ensuring equity in technology usage The current
pandemic proves that the NEP requires the development of alternative,
high-quality educational methods when in-person training is not practical. Among the several necessary actions to ensure
accessible digital education is developing audiovisual interfaces that allow
for two-way communication during online courses. Another option is to use
telecasting and broadcasting in multiple languages to ensure maximum reach of
the study materials in remote areas without digital infrastructure. 1)
Digital devices and Internet connection across
households in India Table 1
It should be noted
that computers include desktops, laptops, notebooks, and tablets, not
necessarily smartphones. 2)
Digital device or Internet usage by
persons in the age group of 5-14 in India
Table 2
It should be noted
that the computer skills in Table 2 entail performing various operations,
including sending emails, copying and moving files and folders, and file
transfer. The ability to use the Internet entails website browsing and being
habituated to using emails and social networking sites. 5.3. Initiating a separate unit for developing a digitalised educational infrastructure of a global standard ·
The
Ministry of Education recommends initiating a separate unit to develop a global
standard of digitalised educational infrastructure. This unit would orchestrate
digital infrastructure, e-content, and capacity building to address digital
teaching-learning. ·
An
active ecosystem is highly recommended to help India adapt to the fast-paced
technological developments and find answers to its problems of diversity,
scale, and equity. ·
This
dedicated unit will include experts from various sectors, such as
administration, management, digital pedagogy, evaluation, and assessment. Objectives 2: To discuss
the major initiatives on digital applications in Open and Distance Learning
(ODL) in the Higher Education sector. The 2020 policy recommends the following digital initiatives for digital applications. By 2035, the goal is to elevate the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in postsecondary education to at least 50%. The goal is to enhance the GER in higher education, encompassing vocational programs, from 26.3% in 2018 to 50%. The GER is projected to climb to 50% due to enhanced open and remote learning opportunities. Implementation of credit-based MOOC recognition, research support, enhanced student services, online courses, and digital repositories will assure comparability with premier programs. The Government of India has launched several initiatives to facilitate the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in higher education. These initiatives include the National Knowledge Network (NKN), the National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), the National Mission on Education through ICT (NMEICT), e-Shodh Sindhu, the Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM), Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and the National Digital Library of India (NDLI). The relationship between government bodies and higher education institutions is critical, as governments provide funding and support to ensure the efficient operation of these institutions. The National Education Policy 2020 has introduced a variety of measures aimed at significantly improving the overall teaching and learning processes in the sector. Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
1)
Developmental
aspects •
The
DIKSHA Platform is supposed to facilitate the professional updatation
and upgradation of teachers. •
The
integration of DIKSHA/SWAYAM across the secondary and higher education system
will be enhanced. •
Encourage
and broaden the reach of DIKSHA and other educational technology initiatives. •
DIVYANG
students can access a comprehensive selection of instructional software
available in all Indian languages. •
E-content
that is uploaded to the DIKSHA platform for education and learning. •
Tools
that are suitable for the effective integration of e-content into instruction •
The
location of students' practices. Objectives 3: To delineate the outcomes of digital
application initiatives by NEP 2020 for ODL. The study is a humble attempt to rediscover the applications of various digital priorities enshrined by the 2020 policy in Higher Education. An in-depth study of Netaji Subhas Open University, an open university located in Kolkata, West Bengal, as a case, has been conducted to substantiate the study and justify the research. The dimensions of the Case are presented in a tabular form, which are as follows:
Open and Distance
Learning Institute- Netaji Subhash Open University (NSOU) and NEP 2020 state
that digital applications have become increasingly important in modern
education worldwide. The efficacy and accessibility of digital applications,
however, continue to raise questions, especially in places with poor internet
connections and the unavailability of digital devices. The NSOU emphasises the
importance of inclusive and equitable digital education, creating online
communities to assist students and providing accessible and reasonably priced
digital technologies. Effective monitoring and evaluation of digital education
initiatives is crucial. It is also important to train teachers in using digital
tools. It should be ensured that all students, no matter where they live or how
much money they have, can access digital resources and tools. These resources
have the potential to transform education. 6. IMPLEMENTATION: FORESEEING THE FUTURE 1) Suggestions for Policy Framing- The 2020 policy has emphasised the integration of digital technologies in higher education to ensure quality and inclusive learning. The following suggestions for policy framing could further strengthen its digital applications: · Expanding high-speed internet access and digital learning platforms across rural and urban areas is essential for bridging the digital divide. · It is imperative to encourage artificial intelligence-driven personalised learning experiences to address the marginalised and specially-abled learners. · Promoting blockchain technology for secure credential verification, virtual reality for immersive learning experiences, and machine learning for academic assessments is vital for enhancing educational outcomes. · Implementing mandatory digital literacy programs for educators will significantly improve their ability to effectively utilise technology in the teaching process. · It is crucial to develop educational resources in multiple Indian languages to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all learners. · Establishing robust policies to protect student data and to using the artificial intelligence abiding by the ethical codes. · Encouraging partnerships among universities, technology companies, and government agencies will drive innovation in the realm of digital education. 2) Windows for Future Research- · Investigating the impact of AI-driven tools on enhancing student engagement and improving academic performance. · Analysing the comparative advantages of fully online learning versus blended learning methodologies. · Examining strategies to ensure equitable access to digital education for marginalised communities. · Exploring concerns related to data privacy, artificial intelligence bias, and ethical considerations in digital learning environments. · Assessing the efficacy of game-based learning in increasing student motivation and enhancing knowledge retention. · Evaluating the long-term viability of digital learning models within the context of higher education. · Researching the alignment of digital education with industry requirements and its role in bolstering employability. These research areas can help shape the future of digital education under NEP 2020, ensuring that technology is leveraged effectively at the higher education level. 3) Implementation in Higher Education- Universities can practically implement digital policies under NEP 2020 by focusing on infrastructure, faculty training, and student engagement. The key strategies could be summarised as follows: · The advancement of digital infrastructure necessitates expanding high-speed internet access throughout campuses. Universities should increase their investment in smart classrooms equipped with interactive digital boards and AI-driven educational tools. They should also aim to create centralised learning management systems (LMS) to facilitate smooth online learning. Training for faculty and enhancing digital literacy should be a compulsory aspect. Digital training sessions for educators should be implemented as required. Faculty members must be motivated to utilise AI-powered teaching resources and adaptive learning platforms. Collaborative research in the field of digital education methods should be encouraged. · Multilingual digital resources guarantee inclusivity for student-centric digital learning. Therefore, gamified learning experiences and AI-enhanced personalized education approaches should be introduced. Universities could offer virtual internships and collaborate with industries through digital platforms. · The Universities and national research agencies (for example, the Indian Institute of Social Science Research) should think of creating data privacy policies to safeguard student information. Awareness initiatives regarding the ethical use of AI in education should be organised. Utilising blockchain technology for secure verification of academic credentials could be more effective. Partnerships between the public and private sectors to innovate in EdTech solutions and collaborating with government programs could improve digital accessibility at the ground level. 7. CONCLUSION The digitalisation process in higher education, as documented by the NEP 2020, has the potential to radically alter the availability and delivery of education. The policy strongly emphasises using digitalised methods and ways of teaching and learning, which can provide learners with more flexible, accessible, and customised learning opportunities. Higher education institutions can use digital tools and platforms to reach a wider audience, regardless of location. People residing in remote regions or unable to travel to conventional classrooms may find this particularly useful. Through engaging and interactive learning opportunities, the digital application of NEP 2020 can enhance education. Using multimedia resources, simulations, virtual labs, and collaborative online platforms, students can become more involved in their education and cultivate analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. In conclusion, through its digital implementation, the policy has enormous potential for a sea change in the arena of higher education.
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