How EdTech Startups are needed to Revolutionise access to Education in Developing countries:
“विद्या धनं सर्वधनप्रधानम्” this quote in Sanskrit means that Education is supreme of all the wealth.
As most of the developing countries have started to acknowledge the fact that in order to achieve growth and development. It is essential to bridge the gap amongst the top stratum and bottom stratum of the society.
The bridging of the gap includes improving not just the GDP of the country but also improving on multidimensional factors. Some of these factors include Better Standard of living, Health and Sanitation and Education.
It is impossible to achieve real economic growth without focusing on these factors.
Education is universally recognized as a fundamental right and an impactful tool for social and economic development.
Despite this recognition, many countries, especially those in the developing world, face many barriers in providing quality education to their citizens.
These barriers are improper infrastructure, lack of trained educators, economic constraints, geographic isolation, and political instability.
Why EdTech?
Traditional education systems often struggle to meet the growing demand for accessible and affordable education in underdeveloped or developing world.
In recent times,the rise of educational technology (EdTech) startups has begun to change the educational landscape in developing countries. Through innovative solutions that provide digital platforms, mobile technology, and data-driven feedbacks.EdTech startups are breaking down many of the barriers to education that have historically hindered access in these regions.
This blog explores several ways EdTech startups are Revolutionising education in developing countries and the transformative impact they are having on individuals, communities, and societies at large.
Impact of EdTech on the Developing World:
- 1. Improving the Accessibility of Education:
One of the major challenges in developing countries is the lack of physical access to quality educational institutions. Rural areas, for instance, often have limited or no access to schools, while urban areas are typically overcrowded and underfunded. EdTech startups have found a way to bypass geographical limitations by providing online learning platforms, digital classrooms, and mobile applications that allow students in remote areas to access educational content from the comfort of their homes.
- For example, in countries like India, where millions of children live in rural villages, platforms like Zenstudy offer interactive lessons that can be accessed through smartphones, tablets, or computers. This platform provides personalised learning experiences and mentorship and bridges the gap for students who otherwise may not have access to trained teachers or modern learning resources. By making education available anytime and anywhere, EdTech startups are empowering students in even the most remote regions to pursue their academic goals.
- 2. Making Education Affordable:
Affordability remains a major hurdle to education in many developing countries, where tuition fees, the cost of textbooks, and other related expenses often make education prohibitively expensive for low-income families. Traditional brick-and-mortar schools require significant investment in infrastructure, maintenance, and teacher salaries, all of which drive up the cost of education.
- EdTech startups, by contrast, offer scalable solutions that are much more cost-effective. Digital platforms can host a wide range of educational materials at a fraction of the cost of traditional textbooks or private tutoring. For example, on platforms like YouTube there is free access to various learning resources, including video tutorials, shorts, and quizzes, covering everything from current to history. Such initiatives allow students to access high-quality education without incurring the financial burden of traditional schooling.
(https://youtube.com/@zenstudyz?si=ZtPWXScYQsY8qIUn )
- Furthermore, many EdTech companies adopt a freemium model, where basic content is available for free, but premium services such as advanced features, personalised tutoring, or certification are available at a low cost. This flexibility allows students from various socio-economic backgrounds to access education in a way that suits their financial situation.
There is an initiative of Zenstudy, where they are providing free mentorship to students who are preparing for the UPSC CSE.
- 3. Individualised Learning and Adaptive Technology:
A major limitation of traditional education systems is the “one-size-fits-all” approach, where students are often expected to learn at the same pace regardless of their individual abilities or needs. This approach can lead to disengagement, especially among students who struggle to keep up with the curriculum. It can also leave behind gifted students who are not sufficiently challenged.
- EdTech startups have introduced adaptive learning technologies that tailor educational content to the individual needs of each student. Using algorithms and data analytics, these platforms assess a learner’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences to deliver customised lessons and exercises. For instance, platforms like Zenstudy use gamification to teach languages, adjusting the difficulty of exercises based on the learner’s progress. Similarly, there are various platforms which employ AI-driven systems to personalise educational instructions, helping students learn at their own pace and according to their own learning style.
- By offering personalised learning paths, EdTech startups not only improve student engagement and retention but also ensure that each learner can progress at a pace that suits their unique abilities. This approach significantly enhances the effectiveness of education, especially for students in underfunded schools where teachers may not have the resources to provide individualised attention.
- 4. Content Quality and Mentor Training:
In many developing countries, the quality of education can vary greatly due to factors such as under trained teachers, outdated curricula, and lack of teaching materials. EdTech startups are helping to address these challenges by providing access to high-quality content and online teacher training programs.
- For instance, several platforms offer online courses and certifications from top universities around the world, allowing students in developing countries to access world-class education. These courses cover a wide range of subjects, from computer science and business to engineering and humanities, providing learners with the skills needed to thrive in the global job market.
- Additionally, many EdTech startups are creating teacher training programs aimed at improving the quality of education in schools. For example, Teach for All works with local organisations to train teachers in underprivileged areas, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to deliver effective education. It offers online workshops and resources to help educators improve their teaching skills, focusing on the specific challenges faced by teachers in developing countries.
- By improving teacher quality and providing students with high-calibre educational content, EdTech startups are helping to elevate the overall standard of education in developing countries.
- 5. Improving Learning Outcomes through Data and Analytics:
One of the advantages of digital learning platforms is the ability to collect vast amounts of data on student performance. This data can be used to track progress, identify learning gaps, and optimise educational strategies. EdTech startups are leveraging data analytics to improve learning outcomes by providing real-time insights into student performance and adapting their offerings accordingly.
Many Platforms track how students interact with content, their quiz results, and areas where they may need more practice. This data allows teachers and students alike to monitor progress and make data-driven decisions. By identifying where students are struggling, EdTech tools can provide targeted interventions to improve performance.
Moreover, this data-driven approach helps to ensure that students are meeting key learning milestones, which is particularly important in contexts where access to educational resources may be limited. By using analytics to monitor and guide learning, EdTech startups can ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed.
6. Strengthening Vocational and Technical Education:
While academic education is essential, vocational and technical education is equally important in developing countries, where many young people are entering the workforce without the necessary skills for gainful employment. EdTech startups are increasingly focusing on providing vocational training and skill development programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the local job market.
Several Platforms offer online courses in fields such as programming, digital marketing, graphic design, and other technical skills. These platforms allow individuals to acquire job-relevant skills at their own pace, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional education. By democratising access to vocational education, these startups are helping young people in developing countries gain the skills needed to secure employment, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the local economy.
Additionally, EdTech platforms that focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and soft skills development are also contributing to economic growth in developing countries. By providing the tools and knowledge needed to start a business or navigate the job market, these startups are fostering innovation and empowering individuals to create their own economic opportunities.
- 7. Digital Literacy and Bridging the Digital Divide
While EdTech startups are undoubtedly transforming education in developing countries, there are still challenges related to digital literacy and access to technology. Many students in remote or rural areas lack basic digital skills, and a significant portion of the population still does not have access to reliable internet or modern devices.
- To address these issues, several EdTech startups are focusing on building digital literacy and ensuring that technology is accessible to those who need it most. For instance, AkiraChix in Kenya offers digital literacy and coding programs aimed at empowering young women to enter the tech industry. Similarly, many Platforms train software developers across the world providing them with both the technical skills and the opportunities to work for global companies.
- EdTech startups are also exploring offline solutions, such as providing educational content via USB drives, SD cards, or low-bandwidth apps, to ensure that students in areas with limited internet access can still benefit from digital learning.
- 8. Promoting Collaboration and Community Engagement:
EdTech startups are not only transforming individual learning experiences but are also creating greater collaboration and community engagement. Online forums, peer-to-peer learning groups, and social media platforms are creating spaces where students can interact, share resources, and support each other’s learning. These platforms also allow students to access mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, helping them navigate their educational and career paths. There are various Mentorship groups like Zenstudy Mentorship Programme where there is possibility of connecting with a mentor and peer to peer connection.
- By creating collaborative learning environments, EdTech startups are not only enhancing the learning experience but also building a sense of community among students in developing countries. These platforms enable learners to connect with others who share similar interests or career goals, creating a global network of learners who can support and inspire each other.
The rise of EdTech startups is Revolutionising access to education in developing countries by addressing key barriers such as affordability, accessibility, and quality. By leveraging technology to deliver personalised learning experiences, improve teacher training, and provide vocational education, these startups are empowering individuals and communities to unlock their potential.
However, the full impact of EdTech in developing countries will depend on continued investment in infrastructure, digital literacy, and government support for integrating technology into the education system. As EdTech startups continue to evolve, they have the potential to create a more inclusive and equitable global education system, one that offers everyone, regardless of their background or location, the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Follow Zenstudy for more such informative articles and content.
Website:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zenstudyz?si=15dH03mkZkai7Tra
Ethics Course:
Society Course:
GS Polity PYQ:
International Relations: