India's education sector must embrace innovations, disruptions in technology

Noida (Uttar Pradesh): An Australian academic has said that the education sector in India must embrace innovations, disruptions in technology, and in a sense, reinvent itself to be relevant and attractive globally.

Taking part in the recently held INBUSH 2018- International Research Conference, Professor Martin George Bean, Vice Chancellor, RMIT University, Australia, stressed that tertiary education in almost all countries is trapped in yesterday's model.

"The education sector needs to embrace innovations and disruptions in technology, thereby re-inventing itself. Education sector in any country needs to be in sync with society's demands, industry's demands and demands of the students. It needs to be lot more flexible, "he said.

Professor Bean strongly advocated democratisation of tertiary education and opening it up through digital education. He said doing otherwise would be a massive dis-service to a generation of human beings.

He remarked that young leaders of today are looking for skills and not just degrees and diplomas.

He warned that ten years from now, robots will change the way work is done in India, especially in law firms, Artificial Intelligence, marketing companies and advertisement companies.

He said, "50% of the jobs are at the risk of replacement in next 20 years. He implored that there is a need for universities to prepare students for life and work, just like RMIT University where skills for an exponential economy such as critical thinking, entrepreneurship and adaptability are nurtured in students."

Another panelist, fashion designer Sanjana Jon said, "Every step is a challenge in life and deciding to be different is the most difficult challenge in one's life."

She called upon students to focus on what they can do in their lives rather then what they could not in order to be different from others.

Amit Gujral, CMO, LG Electronics, emphasized on the fact that change is the only phenomenon to succeed in the market and brands which will not change or innovate will gradually vanish from the market.

Anirban Chaudhari, Senior Vice President and Executive Planning Director, J. Walter Thompson, stressed that technology is connecting consumers worldwide and the continuous focus of industry is to create platforms where people can do lot of diverse things together irrespective of age group.

Bimal Sikdar, Director, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship stressed that the information flow and knowledge component has increased amongst today's youth, but no matter how much knowledge or information one may have, what matters is how well that knowledge or information can be applied.

He opined that very soon a time would come when skill, information and education will integrate, increasing the employability factor of the youth of the country.

Shveta Raina, CEO, Talerang Express, opined that skills are more important than a degree or a brand from where it is received.

She remarked that a degree or a diploma from a prestigious university can help an individual to get a job or help in getting mentorship for starting own venture but at the end of the day, qualities such as dedication, commitment, loyalty and job specific skills will help in last mile delivery.