Impact of Edtech on teachers in Colleges

Abstract

The Indian education sector has been subjected to numerous amendments and transformations. After Independence, several initiatives were taken by successive governments to develop our education system, particularly at the college level. Educational policies of developed countries, new technologies and automation also impacted our education system. The concept of “EdTech” is one such remarkable aspect that shows the revolution, being undergone by the Indian Education system. Edtech, or education technology, is the practice of introducing Information and Communication Technology into the classroom to create engaging and inclusive learning experiences. Sessions involving PowerPoint presentations through projectors, online courses which can be attended through tools like Coursera and NPTEL, AI tools, ERP and other computer-aided tools, Internet of Things, preparation of pdf-report and PowerPoint presentations by students and uploading them in applications unique to institutions, the concept of online classrooms, that became popular after the surge of Covid-19, are just a few among the numerous examples of Edtech. A report recently prepared by Team Lease Edtech survey revealed around 79.34 per cent of teachers adapted to EdTech tools by practice, 35.54 per cent of teachers equipped themselves by taking courses provided by institutions, 25.62 per cent learned about the EdTech tools from friends/colleagues/family, and 19.01 per cent equipped themselves by undertaking self-sponsored courses, according to a report by EBEF (East Brunswick Education Foundation), the Indian EdTech industry was valued at US$ 750 million in 2020 and is expected to reach US$ 4 billion by 2025 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 39.77%. This research aims to analyse how this concept of EdTech has impacted the teachers in their professional growth, and their suggestions regarding how the EdTech tools can be made user-friendly going further. Research is conducted in Coimbatore district. Research involves questionnaire surveying across some selected colleges in the Coimbatore district.