Unlocking Your Child’s Future: The True Impact of EdTech on Learning in India

New Delhi: India is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and educational technology (edtech) at a rapid pace. But are these innovations truly enhancing children’s learning, or are we just paying for distractions that replace genuine education?

Before the pandemic, online education was on the rise. However, the situation changed dramatically when schools closed. Now, AI-driven learning platforms like Byju’s, Vedantu, and WhiteHat Jr have become popular among millions of students. They promise personalized and adaptive learning. Still, many experts in psychology and education are raising concerns about potential downsides of excessive screen time.

Research from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) shows alarming trends. Children aged 6 to 14 are experiencing unprecedented digital fatigue, behavioral problems linked to screen addiction, and shorter attention spans. With more time spent on screens than interacting with teachers or peers, kids are losing essential skills like writing, comprehension, and critical thinking.

Dr. Sangeeta Bhatia, Principal of KIIT World School, believes that just being on a screen doesn’t equal learning. “Real learning happens when kids ask questions and make connections,” she said. She emphasized that blending digital tools with active teaching is crucial. Just because a child clicks through a lesson doesn’t mean they understand it. This is particularly concerning for kids from underprivileged backgrounds, where screen time without proper guidance can hinder learning further.

Moreover, the pandemic has widened the digital divide. While wealthier families can afford the latest devices and high-speed internet, many students in rural areas share mobile phones and deal with unreliable internet access. Girls are often the first to lose access to online resources in such situations.

The edtech business model, which focuses on engagement and parental concerns, raises additional issues, especially regarding children’s data privacy. In the absence of strict government regulations, many platforms collect personal data without informed consent, which can lead to serious privacy issues.

Prof. (Dr) Charru Malhotra from the Indian Institute of Public Administration cautions against confusing screen time with actual learning. “Just tapping on an app doesn’t mean understanding. Many edtech platforms focus more on engagement than depth, turning learning into mere entertainment,” he noted. However, he acknowledges the potential of AI in education, provided it’s used wisely. “If we effectively harness AI, we could differentiate between passive screen time and meaningful learning. But without equal access to these tools, particularly for disadvantaged children, we risk deepening the education gap.”

Currently, the government relies on voluntary codes of conduct for regulating edtech practices, which leaves significant gaps in enforcement and data protection. Parents and schools are encouraged to monitor kids’ screen time, assess app permissions, and prioritize real-world interactions.

In Dr. Bhatia’s words, “Technology should be a helping hand, not a shortcut. Mistaking screen time for real learning may give kids information but not the skills to understand it.”

For more insight into this topic, check out how hybrid learning is reshaping education in India.

[Source: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)]



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