eLearning

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognises the importance of leveraging technology to provide quality education and recommends the systematic use of online and digital education to expand access to learning opportunities. It acknowledges the potential of technology-enabled education while emphasising the need to address issues of equity, access and the digital divide (Chapter 24, Paras 24.1–24.3). The Policy recommends strengthening eLearning platforms such as SWAYAM and DIKSHA, developing digital content and repositories, promoting online teaching-learning tools, and building the capacity of teachers to become effective online educators and content creators (Chapter 24, Para 24.4). It also emphasises the use of digital pedagogy and online resources to enrich the teaching-learning process (Chapter 4, Para 4.46). Further, NEP 2020 highlights the importance of continuous professional development through online teacher development modules and platforms for sharing ideas and best practices (Chapter 5, Para 5.15). In this context, eLearning is envisaged as an important component of technology-enabled education, with appropriate integration of digital resources, pedagogy, assessment and learner support to create effective and equitable learning experiences.

eLearning therefore requires teachers to move beyond the technical use of digital tools towards the effective integration of technology with pedagogy and learning objectives. This includes selecting and using appropriate digital resources, creating and sharing e-content, facilitating online interaction, supporting learner engagement, using technology-enabled assessment and adopting blended learning approaches. Teachers remain central to the teaching-learning process, while technology serves as an enabler for expanding access, enriching learning experiences and supporting learner-centred and inclusive education. Effective eLearning thus requires teachers to exercise professional judgement and use digital technologies purposefully, responsibly and pedagogically to meet diverse learner needs.

Therefore, CIET-NCERT is organising an online training programme on “eLearning” to strengthen teachers’ understanding of the concepts, principles and practices of eLearning and its role in enriching the teaching-learning process. The programme aims to enhance educators’ capacity to design and facilitate effective eLearning experiences through appropriate digital resources, online platforms and learner-centred pedagogical approaches. It will further develop their understanding of personalised learning, technology-enabled assessment, learner support and inclusive eLearning practices, enabling teachers to effectively integrate eLearning into teaching-learning processes in alignment with the vision of NEP 2020.