Leveraging EdTech to create an Inclusive Education Model

Date:

Trending

It’s not just the educationists who are thinking about education. Leaders in every realm, politics, technology, welfare, and of course historians are thinking actively about education. That’s really how important it is.

- Advertisement -

I’m going to begin by connecting a few dots. Let’s begin with Yuval Noah Harari’s new book ‘Unstoppable Us’, which is his version of ‘Sapiens’ for children. He says in the book that “ we (humans)are unstoppable. But what made us so? Well, we have the most amazing superpower: the ability to tell stories. Fairy tales have led us from imagining ghosts and spirits to being able to create money (yes, really!).”

If we extend this idea of storytelling to the ‘stories’ we tell our children- the potential and power of ECCE begin to emerge. And the responsibility of it too. This excites me enormously.

- Advertisement -

Here in India, as I visit various states and meet the implementers who are serving the people, I am delighted to see that they are conscious and cognizant of this responsibility. Connect this with the principle of universality: ‘Leave No One Behind’ that sits at the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by 193 Member States at the UN General Assembly Summit in September 2015- and you have a prescription for creating a new generation that both honors its past and imagines a new future. This will drive economic growth driven by fair and equal societies.

When I partnered with India’s top administrators to write the Pencil Power Report, we took a solution-centric approach. Because no one needed to be reminded of just the problems. The report contains key recommendations on how to make ECCE inclusive.

Let me highlight three of them here:

  1. ECCE must be made a constitutional right: ECCE must be made a constitutional right to care, assist, and education for all children, including those from birth till the age of six (and now early learning continuum unto age 8.)

In addition, given the fragmented framework and issues of lack of universality in standards, monitoring, and coordination, the creation of a statutory body that will lay down ‘minimum universal standards for quality of services, facilities and infrastructure to be put in place across all schemes (including Creche) and provisions relating to early childhood. The same must be examined and adopted with appropriate accommodation on diversity in context and cultures.

  1. Use more technology in ECCE: I cannot emphasize this enough! In all three areas- the training of teachers and other staff, imparting lessons to children as well as auditing the performance of the system itself, technology is the BIG enabler. All States/UTs must upload the essential ECCE materials on their website (in the appropriate language) and simultaneously must approve, print, and provide the same in each ECCE center.

Further, every state can monitor and grade its preschool education centers ( govt, NGO, private -all) and fulfill and monitor the ECCE standards and key indicators. The center in turn can audit states on whether they have filled up all vacancies, critical being teacher, helper, and supervisor, and also on whether they have trained them.

  1. Social upliftment of ECCE: ECCE centers must focus exclusively on early childhood education and development programs. Neither the teachers nor the caregivers must be involved in other unrelated works. Every preschool unit must have a separate helper and a separate teacher.

There is a need to rationalize pay structures for all levels of ECCE staff and teachers to recognize them and also to motivate and enhance their commitment. They must also enjoy social support and the respect of the community. Such a vibrant ECCE center would enhance women’s participation in work and help in their empowerment and also that of veterans who can be an excellent assistance framework.

The above imperatives will set the wheels in motion for inclusive ECCE. After all, an inclusive education model encompasses more than just focusing on children with disabilities or specially gifted children. It also means finding the right tools for learning and incorporating different ways of teaching to keep children actively engaged. Every child is different and so are their learning capabilities, it’s vital to care for every child – regardless of where or to whom they have been born.

Like most really important priorities, education is also a systemic one. There are cultural, infrastructural, social, and emotional aspects to it. This multiplies the challenge because an entire ecosystem has to see this as a priority and understand its role in it. That would be truly inclusive.

THE SNAPSHOTS

Sign up to get quick snaps of everyday happening, directly in your inbox.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

- Advertisement -

Support our independent journalism PayPal (Outside India) For PayU (For Indian Readers).

Ashish Jhalani
Ashish Jhalanihttp://squarepanda.com
Ashish Jhalani, Head of Global Operation, Square Panda

More Latest Stories

More Articles

Wired vs. Wireless Headsets: A Comparative Guide for Evolving Audio Needs

Across a wide range of demographics, including gamers, fitness enthusiasts, business executives, and remote workers, the use of headsets has dramatically increased. Headsets are...

The Rise of Conversational AI: What It Means for Tech and SaaS Businesses

Back in the time, when AI was not as prominent, businesses used to struggle a lot. One of the biggest challenges was to rely on manual work. Conversational AI has emerged as a new opportunity in the technology and software service (SaaS) industry. These...

Union Budget 2025: Real Estate Experts See SWAMIH 2.0, ₹15,000 Cr State Support to Ease Housing Bottlenecks

The real estate sector views the Union Budget 2025-26 as a step toward addressing...

Union Budget 2025-26 Reactions: EV Makers Welcome Tax Relief and Infrastructure Investments

India’s electric vehicle industry has welcomed the Union Budget 2025-26, citing exemptions on capital...

Preparing Your Staff To Host A Successful Business Event In Another City

A business event, a convention, and exhibition, a trade show - all of these...

TradeFT Review: Comprehensive Platform Overview 2025

The financial markets are abuzz with some pretty exciting developments as 2025 gets underway,...

Union Budget 2025-26: MSME Leaders Back Investment Limit Hike, Call E-Shram Expansion Crucial

The MSME sector has responded positively to the Union Budget 2025-26, with experts highlighting...

From GCC & AI to DeepTech Investments: How Tech Experts React to the Union Budget 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2025-26 has drawn mixed reactions from technology industry...

Healthcare Reactions to Budget 2025-26: Experts Back Investments in Cancer Care & AI but Call for Broader Mental Health Policies

The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has drawn mixed reactions from healthcare experts. While the proposal for an AI Centre...

Union Budget 2025-26 Reactions: Education Sector Applauds AI, Skilling Initiatives but Flags Funding Gaps

India’s education sector leaders have responded to the Union Budget 2025-26 with optimism and...

Union Budget 2025: India’s AI Budget Allocation Stirs Mixed Reactions

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement of a ₹500 crore fund for a Centre...

Union Budget 2025: Tech Industry Looks to Govt for AI-Focused Reforms and Tax Relief

The IT and tech industry has outlined its wishlist for the upcoming Union Budget...

Union Budget 2025: Medical Education Seats Increased by 130% in 10 Years; 10,000 More to Be Added

Education sector Budget LIVE: Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced...

Union Budget 2025: Kisan Credit Card Loan Limit Increased to ₹5 Lakh Under Modified Interest Subvention Scheme

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Union Budget 2025-26 speech, announced an increase in Kisan Credit Card loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention...

Union Budget 2025: IIT Student Strength Doubles, ₹500 Crore AI Education Center Announced

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today, outlined key measures for higher education, focusing on the expansion of IITs and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning. The number of students enrolled across 23 IITs has doubled over...

Union Budget 2025 LIVE: FM Sitharaman Announces Reforms in Finance Sector; Increases FDI Limit to 100%

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget for 2025-26 in Parliament today,...

Union Budget LIVE: Finance Minsiter Nirmala Sitharaman Tables India’s Budget for 2025-26

LIVE Union Budget Coverage: The Union Budget 2025, set to be presented by Finance...

Budget 2025: Pre-Owned Car Market Requests Financing Reforms, Auto Industry Looks for GST Clarity

With the Union Budget just days away, the auto sector is hoping for game-changing...

Budget 2025 Expectations: Semiconductor Industry Looks for Support to Boost Domestic Manufacturing, Incentives, and Innovation Investment

As India's Union Budget 2025 approaches, the semiconductor manufacturing sector is seeking measures to...

From GST Reform to Supply Chain Stability: What the F&B and Restaurant Sector Expects from Budget 2025?

With Budget 2025 approaching, the restaurant and F&B sector is outlining its expectations for...

BUDGET 2025: Sustainability Sector Hopes for Strong Budget Support to Drive Clean Energy and Circular Economy

As the Union Budget 2025 draws near, expectations are building in the sustainable and...

IIFL Finance Thane Branch Raided by Income Tax Authorities

The Income Tax Department carried out a search operation on Tuesday morning at IIFL...

Evolution of Festival Advertising – A journey from Traditional to Hyperlocal Strategies

When it comes to festival advertising, brand strategies have seen notable changes shape the...

Budget 2025: Fintech Sector Hopes for Regulatory Support in Digital Lending and AI Investments

As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Budget 2025 on February...

Union Budget 2025: Tech Industry Looks to Govt for AI-Focused Reforms and Tax Relief

The IT and tech industry has outlined its wishlist for the upcoming Union Budget...

AI in Skill Development: What Budget 2025 Should Do to Close the Workforce Skills Gap

India, with its vast pool of young talent, faces a significant challenge: a widening...

Union Budget 2025 Expectations: Hospitality Sector Urges Budget Support for Tourism Growth and Workforce Development

With the Union Budget 2025 on the horizon, hospitality sector leaders are calling for...

Union Budget 2025 Expectations: Insurance Sector Eyes Tax Incentives, Sops to Expand Health Insurance Reach

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget 2025 on February...

Union Budget 2025: Farming, Agriculture Sector Pushes for Greater Subsidies, Policy Support

With Union Budget 2025 just days away, the agriculture sector is vouching for a...

Union Budget 2025: Medical Education Seats Increased by 130% in 10 Years; 10,000 More to Be Added

Education sector Budget LIVE: Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced...

Evolution of Festival Advertising – A journey from Traditional to Hyperlocal Strategies

When it comes to festival advertising, brand strategies have seen notable changes shape the...

Budget 2025: Crypto Sector Looks For TDS Cuts, Loss Clarity and Investor-Friendly Tax Rules

As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, the Indian cryptocurrency industry is urging the government...

Budget 2025: Fintech Sector Hopes for Regulatory Support in Digital Lending and AI Investments

As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Budget 2025 on February...