E-Courses in Regional Languages - New Education Policy (NEP)

With the approval of the National Education Policy, many changes are to be witnessed in the coming years. Among these changes include the provision of education in regional languages. This includes teaching school students, primarily till classes 5 in their respective mother tongue or regional language.

However, in this article, we shall discuss the NEP’s provision of providing e-learning courses or e-courses in regional languages. With the wide-spread effects of the novel coronavirus, digital learning is beginning to become the new norm. Previously as well, digital learning in India has always been neglected. This is expected to change with the complete implementation of the Policy.

Why E-Learning in Regional Languages?

Previously in India, students did not have many opportunities to pursue an education in regional languages or in their respective mother tongue. This major drawback has now been taken into account with the New Education Policy. With the availability of digital learning courses in different languages, the scope of learning different skills also increases, thus, improving the career prospects of the youth in India.

In What Languages can Students Pursue E-Learning?

As per the words of the Higher Education Secretary Amit Khare, separate bodies will be established to customise and build e-learning courses for students. He further stated that students can pursue e-learning courses in eight different languages including, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Oriya, Tamil, and Telugu.

What is the future of E-Learning courses in Regional languages?

With the complete implementation of the New Education Policy, several bodies such as the Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation (IITI), National Institute/s for Pali, Persian, and Prakrit. The NEP recommends setting up these bodies to strengthen Sanskrit and other language departments in higher educational institutions.

While currently, NEP is focused on eight languages, sources have stated the future holds much for the remaining languages as well. Different language educational institutions will be directed to promote and offer scientific literature among aspirants in classical Indian languages. The NEP will also facilitate “Lok Vidya” which are the traditional arts long forgotten in India.

What is the Future of Digital Learning in India?

Under NEP, the MHRD states that a separate dedicated unit will be set up to ensure that the necessary digital infrastructure, content along with capacity building for e-learning courses. The dedicated unit will work under the MHRD and provide for the e-learning needs of Higher Education Institutions and Schools as well.

With the NEP in place, an autonomous body called the National Education Technology Forum will also be put in place to promote ideas on technology and its applications in education. The forum will become a platform to understand the best possible options for the enhancement of education learning, planning, assessments, and administration.

With the sharp turn of events in this academic year, the need for digital education and better infrastructure for digital education has been understood. With the New Education Policy, it is possible to witness a digital and technology-friendly education eco-systems in the future of India.