Information and Communication Technologies in Education: A Framework for Transforming the Indian Education System through Smart Learning

Abstract

Literate and educationally advanced population is the primary characterizing feature of any developed nation. In this context, digital inclusion in education system is seen as a potent solution to the holistic growth of an education system, since it provides a comfortable learning environment that meets the demands of individual learners, and that of the society as a whole. Like many other governments around the world, the Government of India has also made strides in modernizing its education system by promoting Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based education. Educational institutions support this innovative technology-based education system, known as “Smart Learning”. The current chapter focuses on ICT’s required capabilities in establishing a digital environment and examines how ICT may upgrade education for next generation, while also being effective in smart learning. The study further emphasizes the opportunities and benefits of ICT in the education system, and throws light on a few important initiatives taken by the Indian Government and other organizations toward the holistic development of the Indian education system by bringing sophistication in the field of education. This work can be categorized as descriptive research. Researchers have chosen a qualitative method by reviewing and analyzing reports, research works, and other information sources pertaining to the topic. Thematic and Content Analyses are used to infer from the data acquired from various reports, reviews, and also from experts’ opinions. The challenges that pose impediments in the path of successful implementation of the ICT-based teaching-learning system in India are also dealt with. Findings of this study will provide guidance to educational policymakers as well as future researchers of the country.