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The pandemic has thrown up an acid test for our civilization in terms of digital readiness. With schools, colleges, and other educational institutes closed, the concept of ‘virtual classrooms’ has become a reality. No wonder, reputed institutions across the world have successfully adapted to the new infrastructure. Altogether, several new technologies have gained popularity and relevance during the COVID era. Regardless of the nature of education, an intuitive and human-centered approach to govern technology happens to be the need of the hour. So, how have the leading educational institutes coped with the pandemic?

A few facts and figures to explore

As of mid-April of 2020, as many as 191 countries across the world had implemented closures of universities and schools. Globally, this impacted more than 1.57 billion students. Amidst this pandemic, several educational institutions like Swarnprastha started offering their programs online. This was to ensure that the quarantine measures did not disrupt the education of students.

Now, the technologies involved in teaching distantly were similar to the ones that were being used to carry out work remotely. Some of these technologies include augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D printing, and robot teachers enabled by AI.

Although there are concerns regarding income level and digital readiness, leading institutes have successfully deployed the necessary technology to come up with robust remote educational mechanisms.

Top technologies used in online education during the COVID era

Have a look at the leading technologies that are being used in education.

  1. Video conferencing

Video conferencing has been one of the primary tools that reputed educational institutes have deployed to train students during the COVID era. Apps like Google Meet and Zoom, along with others, have become popular for their comprehensive range of features.

  • Recording classes and replaying: One of the best things about video conferencing is the ability to record classes. Times, students might not be able to attend the classes at the scheduled hour. Institutions like Swarnprastha deploy video conferencing a powerful educating method. Students can simply opt for the playback feature and listen to the class session as many times as they require. For students, it is easy to review the respective lessons through the record after the classes are over.
  • Sharing video content: Through video conferencing, the learners and teachers can share the files and documents in real-time. This fosters a better interaction between the students and teachers.
  • Guest lecturing online: Apart from the teachers and students, guest lecturers can also be deployed and experts in different subject matters. Video conferencing can connect experts in a distant part of the globe to the learners through its unique features.

 Artificial intelligence

AI had already been a part of the education industry before the pandemic kicked in. This implies that its incorporation expanded manifold during the crisis. Here are some of the basic uses of AI in education.

  • Assessing examinations: Online educators require a significant amount of time to grade tests and homework. This is where AI comes into the scene, pacifying these tasks. Intelligent technologies also provide recommendations on bridging knowledge gaps. Apart from MCQ tests, new AI technologies are being used to assess written examinations as well.
  • Managing admin tasks: Since AI is capable of automating admin tasks, it provides teachers with a greater amount of time to take individualistic care of the students. AI has already proven its potential to create efficient enrollment and manage admission during the pandemic.
  • Enhancing access to education: AI technologies are presently being used to globalize education. Even students with visual or hearing impairments can benefit from such technologies. AI translators can help students interpret study materials that are in different languages.

Virtual reality

By the time schools and colleges were shut down due to the pandemic, VR had already become a part of sophisticated EdTech mechanisms. Here are some of the key applications of VR in the education system.

  • Virtual field trips: With students unable to be present physically at the desired location, virtual field trips have gained popularity in online education. Google Expeditions have become a part of the teaching methodologies of different schools.
  • Skills training: Students who are taking practical-based courses online benefit from virtual reality simulations. In the process, they get to imbibe knowledge from realistic scenarios. Therefore, they need not practice any skill that they are unfamiliar with in an uncontrolled scenario.

The leading educational institutions in India, like Swarnprastha, have incorporated some of these technologies to strengthen their academic infrastructure. With other sophisticated technologies knocking by, the aspirants can greatly benefit from such a holistic learning process.