This article is in continuation to the : Decoding Parents Asks versus Product offers in EdTech (click here to read). EdTech companies are relatively new to India and elsewhere. EdTech companies have brought in inclusivity and affordability from the traditional brick and mortar environment. Though the earlier generation would prefer brick and mortar or sandwiched models, part online and part in classroom learning. The present generation will eventually move to online and might look for brick and mortar for hands-on activities like maker space. Some readers might not agree to me, that’s absolutely fine. Kindly bear on my thinking till the end!

As I mentioned EdTech companies have brought inclusivity in learning otherwise one relied heavily on competitive exams, cut off marks, limited seats for a course, unaffordable fees, location constrains are some of the reasons to younger generations who are exploring affordability, time saver, hassle free process and goal-oriented. These are evident in less developed countries where there is a larger percentage of the young population. These young people understand the challenges per se in education, job opportunities and career. The internet presents social dynamics among their peers for the young generation. The argument is not to replace the brick and mortar experience but make it inclusive. As inclusiveness is not about being similar; it is about having similar experience despite differences.

I think consumers must help EdTech through constructive feedback, collaboration and their ask to narrow down the differences that were caused because of exclusivity. I assume we learn to fight out the curiosity. It’s a feeling of deprivation that comes from what we know and what we want to know. Humans are constantly looking for ways out to fill this gap.

At the moment the need is all about board exams either it be 10th and 12th, though it holds true in higher education as well. Hence the curiosity level is low. In other words parents, education institutions have little or no expectations at all. As exams do not have an element of curiosity. They are measures of already taught and known. There is no exploration! This also could be a strong reason that in most Parent Teachers Meeting (PTM) the discussion revolves around academics. I am not against exams completely but it’s always 1/3rd for me. The 2/3rd has elements of physical and mental stimulus. The board exams strong expectation from parents makes children avoid finding truth and therefore have low curiosity.

Santosh Avvannavar, Education Journalist at QtSTEAM, www.youtube.com/QtSTEAM