Digital Technologies Are Dawning a New Era in the Education Sector
Dr. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore (IIIT-B), 0
Digital technologies have transformed both the nature and extent of education. A range of versatile and disruptive technological advancements, including smart devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), quantum security, and various software applications, have created new possibilities for enhancing teaching and learning. The integration of technology into India's education system is paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient learning environment. Although considerable progress has been observed, particularly in urban regions, there is still a need for focused efforts to address the digital divide in rural India. Supportive government policies, along with the promise of 5G technology, can help ensure that the advantages of digital education are accessible to every student nationwide. In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights, Dr. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore (IIIT-B), talks about the role of the latest digital technologies in the education sector.
How is IIIT-B COMET Foundation accelerating the development of advanced communication technologies?
ICT (information and communication technology) is gaining popularity across the globe. India must develop its own capabilities in various aspects of communication, such as 5G, next-generation 6G, and eventually, various forms of advanced communication systems. We have established the COMET Foundation at IIIT-B to aid in the creation of products related to advanced communication systems. In the realm of academia, we are engaged in rigorous research, fostering indigenous intellectual property rights, followed by the development of products intended to promote national development. In this context, we are concentrating on a 5G advanced base station known as ORAN (Open Radio Access Network).
Besides, at IIIT-B, our efforts are focused on reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), which are an integral part of 6G technology. We are acting as a central hub, collaborating with eight IITs and one IIIT across India, which is leading to significant advancements in these fields. Additionally, we are providing support to several startups involved in communication areas, contributing to India's advancement in this sector.
Tell us about the significance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the field of education.
India is one of the leaders in the digital public infrastructure. For instance, the evolution of DPI rapidly increased in last fifteen years. The DPI is backbone of e-Commerce, e-Governance, etc., which leads a nation’s growth. To establish a strong digital public infrastructure, we are cultivating highly skilled technical personnel from IIIT- Bangalore to assist in the support, design, development, deployment, and maintenance maintenance both in the country and around the world. We have created several digital public infrastructure products in the digital identity, digital data-exchange and education sector, implementing various programs aimed at fostering development for students and researchers focused on national needs.
How is Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) for Digital Identity bridging the gap in the education industry?
The modular open-source identity platform (MOSIP), created by IIIT-Bangalore, is designed to give a digital identity to each citizen of the respective country, which helps to authenticate the person for various applications. It comprises two million lines of code, ensuring high security and a strong focus on privacy, functioning as a digital identity platform for users worldwide.
So far, 26 nations have embraced it to establish digital identity systems for their citizens and already 130 million identity cards have been issued. Over time, from these 26 countries, approximately one billion individuals will benefit from the digital public services through the use of MOSIP. This initiative is set to revolutionize the education and other sectors.
Moreover, platforms such as Diksha from eKstep foundation have also received approval from the CBSE, GoI, in education. Utilizing technologies like MOSIP and Diksha, we are bridging the gaps between identity of a student and the dissemination of knowledge digitally within educational systems.
Tell us about the impact of emerging technologies on the tech job market and education sector. How to stay ahead of the curve?
Emerging technologies such as AI and ML are poised to have a significant impact on the industry along with the introduction of Data Science technologies, 5G, and the upcoming 6G, VLSI, etc. The performance enhancement will arise from the synergy between AI/ML and the expertise in software engineering, computing, networking, communication, security, quantum, and electronics. With improved products and a deeper understanding of respective domains, we can achieve greater profitability from AI and ML, which will also influence the job market in the forthcoming years.
Our education system and institutions are adapting the curriculum to equip individuals with the fundamentals of ML, AI, and various mathematical modelling tools, allowing them to apply this domain knowledge effectively. Thus, sector-wise knowledge, referred to as domain expertise, is being prioritized in our curriculum to prepare students ahead of emerging trends. We focus on strengthening theoretical foundations and providing lab assignments and practical experiences to ensure students excel in these areas.
Tell us about the significance of effective leadership in the digital era.
Effective leadership is essential for success in any endeavour. A leader needs to possess a clear vision for the future to determine the path forward. To develop this vision, a leader must be an attentive listener, understanding the dynamics at play, especially how technology is evolving and affecting the business landscape. It is crucial for leaders to grasp where technological advancements are headed. Additionally, leaders must consider all facets before reaching a decision since every choice carries two significant effects: financial repercussions and technological consequences. They should make their decisions with these factors in mind.
In what ways does the partnership between academia and industry tackle real-world issues?
Industry and academia each bring unique strengths to the table. The industry thrives on its close connection with customer needs and real-world feedback, which helps in developing and launching practical solutions efficiently. On the other hand, academia is home to exceptionally talented faculty and students who are driven to explore and solve new challenges.
While the industry faces complex problems that demand fresh ideas, academia is eager to apply its intellectual resources to real-world issues. However, academia often lacks the financial resources to pursue large-scale development, whereas the industry, despite investing heavily in a limited number of high-cost professionals, still seeks to solve more problems in a cost-effective way.
Also Read: Aspiring CEOs Making a Difference in 2024
This creates a natural synergy. By partnering with academia, industry can access a pool of innovative thinkers at a lower cost, while academia benefits from exposure to real-world challenges and potential funding. Such collaborations create a win-win situation—fostering innovation, accelerating problem-solving, and addressing societal needs more effectively.
Moreover, platforms such as Diksha from eKstep foundation have also received approval from the CBSE, GoI, in education. Utilizing technologies like MOSIP and Diksha, we are bridging the gaps between identity of a student and the dissemination of knowledge digitally within educational systems.
Tell us about the impact of emerging technologies on the tech job market and education sector. How to stay ahead of the curve?
Emerging technologies such as AI and ML are poised to have a significant impact on the industry along with the introduction of Data Science technologies, 5G, and the upcoming 6G, VLSI, etc. The performance enhancement will arise from the synergy between AI/ML and the expertise in software engineering, computing, networking, communication, security, quantum, and electronics. With improved products and a deeper understanding of respective domains, we can achieve greater profitability from AI and ML, which will also influence the job market in the forthcoming years.
Our education system and institutions are adapting the curriculum to equip individuals with the fundamentals of ML, AI, and various mathematical modelling tools, allowing them to apply this domain knowledge effectively. Thus, sector-wise knowledge, referred to as domain expertise, is being prioritized in our curriculum to prepare students ahead of emerging trends. We focus on strengthening theoretical foundations and providing lab assignments and practical experiences to ensure students excel in these areas.
Tell us about the significance of effective leadership in the digital era.
Effective leadership is essential for success in any endeavour. A leader needs to possess a clear vision for the future to determine the path forward. To develop this vision, a leader must be an attentive listener, understanding the dynamics at play, especially how technology is evolving and affecting the business landscape. It is crucial for leaders to grasp where technological advancements are headed. Additionally, leaders must consider all facets before reaching a decision since every choice carries two significant effects: financial repercussions and technological consequences. They should make their decisions with these factors in mind.
By partnering with academia, industry can access a pool of innovative thinkers at a lower cost, while academia benefits from exposure to real-world challenges and potential funding
In what ways does the partnership between academia and industry tackle real-world issues?
Industry and academia each bring unique strengths to the table. The industry thrives on its close connection with customer needs and real-world feedback, which helps in developing and launching practical solutions efficiently. On the other hand, academia is home to exceptionally talented faculty and students who are driven to explore and solve new challenges.
While the industry faces complex problems that demand fresh ideas, academia is eager to apply its intellectual resources to real-world issues. However, academia often lacks the financial resources to pursue large-scale development, whereas the industry, despite investing heavily in a limited number of high-cost professionals, still seeks to solve more problems in a cost-effective way.
Also Read: Aspiring CEOs Making a Difference in 2024
This creates a natural synergy. By partnering with academia, industry can access a pool of innovative thinkers at a lower cost, while academia benefits from exposure to real-world challenges and potential funding. Such collaborations create a win-win situation—fostering innovation, accelerating problem-solving, and addressing societal needs more effectively.