Technology Is Key To Bridging The Education Gap In Rural Areas: eVidyaloka CEO Brinda

eVidyaloka, a trailblazer in digital education for rural India, is transforming the learning landscape by bridging gaps in access, quality, and relevance. Co-founded by Satish and Venkat, former Microsoft India colleagues, the organization leverages technology to connect underserved students with global educators. Its Jupiter platform, featuring a robust Learning Management System (LMS), ensures curriculum delivery in local languages, making education inclusive and impactful.

"Despite India's substantial education investments, many rural students still lag in basic skills," says CEO Brinda Poornapragna in an interview with Bizz Buzz. eVidyaloka combats this with initiatives like digital STEM classrooms, skill-building programs, and AI-integrated content. Reaching 1.89 lakh students across 14 states, its model aligns with NEP 2020, fostering critical thinking and employability. As Brinda emphasises, "Technology is key to transforming education and ensuring equitable opportunities for all."

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the education sector today, particularly in underserved communities?

One of the biggest challenges in education today, particularly in underserved communities, is the gap between the money invested and the actual learning outcomes. Despite India’s substantial investment of Rs 1.48 lakh crore in education, with Rs 1.25 lakh crore dedicated specifically to this sector, many rural students are still falling behind. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, about 25 per cent of rural students aged 14-18 struggle to read a second-grade-level text in their regional language, and more than half have difficulty with basic arithmetic.

Other pressing issues include the digital divide, which limits access to technology and online resources for students in remote areas, and a mismatch between current education and the skills needed for future jobs, especially in fields like AI and machine learning. Additionally, outdated teaching methods and insufficient teacher training, combined with poor school infrastructure, further hinder student engagement and educational quality.

In your opinion, how can technology play a more significant role in bridging the education gap in rural areas?

Technology has the power to bridge the education gap in rural areas by tackling issues of access and quality head-on. Digital classrooms and online platforms bring together students in remote villages with top-notch resources and dedicated educators from around the globe. This approach makes learning interactive and personalized, helping students understand complex concepts and get timely feedback. Offering educational content in regional languages ensures that lessons are both accessible and culturally relevant.

One major challenge in rural education is the severe shortage of qualified teachers, with an estimated deficit of 1.2 million in government schools. Technology steps in to help by connecting global volunteers with local schools, effectively addressing this shortage and enhancing the quality of education. For example, eVidyaloka’s Jupiter platform, launched in 2012, provides a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) and Content Management System (CMS). This platform supports live classes and curriculum delivery in local languages, and, through partnerships with local organizations, it overcomes socio-cultural and operational barriers, offering a well-rounded solution.

What are the most important factors to consider when developing educational content for diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds?

To truly connect with students, it’s crucial to deliver content in their local languages. This approach removes language barriers, making learning both accessible and engaging. When educational materials are aligned with regional languages, students can grasp concepts more easily and participate more fully. Another key aspect is contextualization. Educational content should reflect the local culture and socio-economic realities, making it more relevant and relatable. By using real-life examples and projects specific to their communities, students can better apply theoretical ideas to their everyday experiences.

Lastly, embracing a variety of teaching methods is essential. Different students have different learning styles, so a diverse approach helps ensure that everyone can benefit from the education being offered. By focusing on these elements—language, cultural relevance, and varied teaching methods—educational content can more effectively meet the needs of students from different backgrounds, making learning more accessible and meaningful.

How do you envision the future of education in India, especially with the increasing integration of digital tools and platforms?

Technology is set to transform education in exciting ways, making it more personalized and accessible for everyone. With artificial intelligence and adaptive learning, educational experiences will be tailored to fit each student’s unique needs and learning style. This means more engaging lessons and better learning outcomes for students.

Digital platforms are breaking down barriers by bringing high-quality education to remote and underserved areas, bridging the gap between students and expert instruction. These platforms ensure that all students have access to valuable resources, making education more equitable. Plus, with data analytics, educators can gain real-time insights into how students are doing, allowing them to adjust their teaching methods to better support each student. It’s all about creating a more inclusive and adaptable system that can meet the needs of every student and help them succeed.

Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects that you’re particularly excited about and would like to share with us?

With 50 crore rural learners in grades 5 to 10 across India, the current educational landscape faces significant challenges. eVidyaloka’s core mission is to address these by bringing digital classrooms to the most remote areas of the country. Looking ahead, the most exciting plans involve increasing Pan India impact of STEM program reaching 2,000+ government schools through digital classrooms with an inclusive approach to lead from education to employability. We are also excited about the progress made in enhancing educational content by incorporating digital literacy and AI concepts. Over the next five years, eVidyaloka aims to increase our school presence with special focus on aspirational districts in line with NITI Aayog and expanding deeper into the the new states we have entered.

Also, to include Career Guidance as a focused approach. Moreover, to design initiatives for skill building to promote employability. These initiatives coupled with capacity building of field teams and the teachers in the school, our efforts are focused on cultivating quality talent essential for India’s development, contributing to a self-reliant and prosperous future.

Can you share the inspiration behind founding eVidyaloka and how the organization has evolved since its inception?

The inspiration behind eVidyaloka came from a deep desire to bridge the educational divide in rural India. Satish and Venkat, former Microsoft India colleagues, saw firsthand how many children in remote areas lacked access to quality education. They envisioned a way to use technology to connect skilled volunteer teachers with students in these underserved regions. Their aim was to create a platform that uses digital classrooms and local languages to make learning more accessible and meaningful.

Since eVidyaloka was founded in 2013, it has made incredible strides in expanding educational access. By 2016, the organization had set up 100 digital classrooms across seven states. As of March 2024, eVidyaloka reaches 1.89 lakh students in 14 states, 734 schools, and 67 districts, including 25 aspirational districts. In just the past year, 6,340 volunteers have dedicated 30 lakh learning hours in eight languages. The organization has continuously grown its global network of volunteer teachers and adopted advanced technology to provide both academic and skill-building opportunities for rural students.

How does eVidyaloka’s model differ from traditional education platforms, and what impact has this had on rural education in India?

Unlike traditional systems that rely on local, in-person teaching, eVidyaloka brings together students in remote areas with volunteer educators from around the world through digital classrooms. This fresh approach not only tackles the shortage of qualified teachers in rural India but also ensures students get a well-rounded, diverse education. It has led to better learning outcomes, fewer dropouts, and expanded access to knowledge and skill-building opportunities, effectively closing the educational gap in underserved regions.

The model’s flexibility and scalability mean it can quickly adapt to new subjects and regions, ensuring students receive education that meets national standards. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, eVidyaloka delivers concept-driven content in local languages, encouraging critical thinking through real-world applications. Supported by a network of partners, its technology connects students with quality teachers and resources, equipping them with the skills they need for a brighter future.