For new entrepreneurs in Ed-tech sector, what kind of opportunities and return do you think can be expected?
According to a data, in 2016, the ed-tech industry raised over 1 billion dollars and according to multiple studies the ed-tech market will grow 170% per annum. This itself proves we are moving students towards a digital era. There are ample amount of opportunities in the market for new entrepreneurs. It’s just that one has to over perform in every aspect to stay and compete in the market. Education sector in India is a slow giant. All numbers are big and all results are slow.
In which direction will India’s ed-tech market grow in next few years?
Ed-tech market of India can expand geographically to the smallest nook and corner of the country through smartphone and an internet connection. We also intend and are trying our level best to cover each and every corner which includes remotest areas to provide access to quality education through TOPScorer e-learning. This is the direction in which ed-tech market will see growth in coming years. Digital learning is in its nascent stage in India where there are a handful of classroom digitized and a small portion of students learning via apps. But if the west is anything to go by, the future of learning is digital.
How do you plan to integrate technology with learning?
Technology plays a vital role in global development while facilitating students to develop upon the fundamental building blocks needed to achieve more complex ideas. eSense has developed TOPScorer app for the students so that they can learn through their smartphones or tablets 24 x 7 at their own convenience. This ensures easy access to quality education and makes an impact on the educational system through technology. As TOPScorer is 100 percent syllabus based, it is natural extention of the classroom. Students can forget their text books and solely rely on TOPScorer. Classrooms also are leaving books behind as our elearning is replacing them.
What kind of competition lies in this industry?
Ed-tech industry is witnessing hundreds of entrepreneurs entering hence increase in competition. Well there is a thought “Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations”. eSense being an elearning wing of Navneet which is serving education sector since 60 years, believe in quality content and providing best quality education at an affordable cost. This takes plenty of hard-work, innovative techniques and much more. But we keep on taking up challenges and working to help students fulfill their academic dreams.
Do you think students prefer learning on e-mediums to hard cover books?
Education technology is about learning. It is a tool that is used by teachers for the purpose of teaching a pre defined curriculum. It enhances learning experience and the way a student understands a concept. Such as to learn about a specific organ in our body will look more engaging and improves learning experience. Students still prefer paper books. It is needed as long as exams are paper based.
Is there a possibility where Edtech can take over the entire book business?
In generations past, history was understood through the stories by elders and not dry descriptions in textbooks. Today it has been modernized through audio visual techniques that enable students to memorize it easily with multimedia components like sounds that creates long lasting impression. Books and elearning go hand in hand. With every passing day, more and more money is being spent in the education industry. In the last 5 years, all new investments/Expenditures done by a school are on a digital front. Having said that, the expenses for books have seen 0 percent growth or drop.
