A personal reflection on the future of education

The scale of BETT 2025 was impressive, as always. Over 35,000 members of the global education community converged at ExCeL, London, creating a buzzing environment of collaboration, innovation, and discovery.

As I explored the aisles and attended sessions, three overarching themes resonated throughout the event:

1. The changing role of educators in a post-COVID world

The global education system is undergoing a significant transformation, accelerated by the pandemic. One critical issue discussed was the shortage of teachers—a challenge not limited to one country but affecting education systems worldwide.

In India, the challenge is not only the shortage of teachers but also the availability of quality educators. EdTech presents an opportunity to bridge this gap by:

• Reducing the administrative burden on teachers.
• Enabling them to focus more on teaching and mentoring.
• Providing tools to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom.

2. The role of edtech in India – moving beyond print

India remains a print-driven market, and while some schools are open to a hybrid model, the adoption of EdTech is still in its early stages.

Key areas where India can leverage EdTech:

• Digital tools that support classroom interaction alongside traditional printed materials.
• Training for teachers to help them seamlessly integrate technology into their teaching methods.
• A shift towards measurable outcomes through data-driven assessments instead of relying on subjective perceptions.

3. Fostering holistic education

Some of the most engaging sessions I attended included topics like:

• Making AI work for schools: Exploring how artificial intelligence can personalize learning experiences and save teacher’s valuable time.
• Incorporating digital skills: Practical strategies to make classrooms more engaging and interactive for students.
• Mental health of students: Addressing the emotional well-being of students, which is increasingly critical in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world.

Aspirations for India

India’s education system is at a crossroads. With over 260 million students, it is one of the largest systems globally, yet it struggles with:

• Teacher shortages.
• Outdated teaching methods.
• Limited integration of technology in classrooms.

Here’s what India can learn

• Use EdTech to save teachers’ time: Teachers in India often face overwhelming workloads, leaving little time for personalized teaching. Technology can help automate administrative tasks and free up time for teaching.
• Focus on teacher training: Technology is only as effective as the person using it. Comprehensive training programs for teachers can ensure that EdTech tools are utilized to their full potential.
• Evolve assessment methods: It’s time to move beyond traditional exams and explore scientific, data-driven assessments that provide a clearer picture of student learning outcomes.

Why should you attend?

Here’s why it’s worth your time:

1. Unparalleled networking: Connect with global educators, policymakers, and innovators.
2. Access to cutting-edge technology: Explore the latest advancements in EdTech and find tools that can transform your institution or classroom.
3. Inspiration for change: Whether you’re a school leader, teacher, or policymaker, BETT will inspire you to think differently about education.

The question is no longer, Should India embrace EdTech? but rather, How can we do it effectively and equitably? So, as I look ahead, I would encourage you to join the journey.

Together, we can shape the future of education.