Right to Excellence – Online School Summit by The Times of India brought together leading education experts to discuss the evolving landscape of learning in India. The panel, featuring Senthil Kumaran, chief confluencer & co-founder of The Learners Confluence; Arun Rajamani, MD, Cambridge International; Joseph Emmanuel, CEO, CISCE; and Anirudh Kumar, joint director, education & research network, ministry of electronics & IT, delved into the intersection of online and offline education.
The hybrid model: Aligning education with student needs
Senthil Kumaran emphasized that the debate should not be about online versus offline education but rather about integrating the two to benefit students. “We are talking about how exactly we can align together to make a difference for the aspirational child,” he said. He highlighted the importance of leveraging both online and offline education to meet students’ needs at their own pace.
Bridging the gap with digital education
Anirudh Kumar provided insights into the government’s digital education initiatives, particularly in rural and remote areas. “We have converted more than 3,500 classrooms to digital education, especially in the Northeast,” he shared, citing the success of online tutoring programs that helped students prepare for competitive exams. Kumar stressed that technology has eliminated boundaries, offering access to quality global content and ensuring affordability. “Equitable access, gender-neutral content, and affordability are key factors in the Indian context,” he added.
Online learning as a supplement, not a substitute
Joseph Emmanuel, CEO of CISCE, underscored the role of online education in augmenting traditional learning. “India is looking for an affordable and accessible model. The five pillars of NEP—equity, excellence, affordability, accessibility, and accountability—can be achieved by utilizing digital technology effectively,” he stated. Emmanuel pointed out that while digital tools are widely available, the challenge remains in teacher training and the effective use of technology in classrooms. “Smart boards exist, but how many teachers are maximizing their potential?” he questioned.
Global perspectives on digital learning
Arun Rajamani noted that online schools have existed long before Covid-19 but gained prominence during the pandemic. “Covid played a major role in increasing awareness, enrollment, and adoption of digital education,” he said. Drawing from international experiences, Rajamani stressed that hybrid learning models can be highly effective in personalizing education for students with varied learning paces and needs.
The future of education in India
The discussion made it clear that digital education is not a replacement for offline learning but a powerful supplement. With government initiatives expanding digital infrastructure and private institutions leveraging online platforms, the future of education in India is moving toward a blended learning model. As Senthil Kumaran summed up, “The goal is to create a system where students can learn what they want, when they want, and how they want.”
