The Future of Learning: How AI is Building Our Education System
Ever wondered how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing more than just robots and self-driving cars? It's quietly, yet powerfully, transforming how we learn, especially in the world of online education, or "EdTech." A recent article in The Hindu (dated June 17, 2025) sheds light on this exciting shift, featuring insights from Krishna Kumar, the CEO of Simplilearn, a major online training platform.
AI: Not Just a Subject, But a Teacher's Assistant
According to Kumar, AI isn't just a new topic students want to learn about; it's actively helping build the learning materials themselves. There's a huge demand for AI-related skills across all professions – from tech experts wanting to deepen their knowledge to business professionals looking to apply AI in their work. Simplilearn even offers "AI for All" courses for anyone wanting a basic understanding.
But that's not all. Internally, companies like Simplilearn are using AI to make content creation faster and more efficient. Imagine test papers that used to be written by hand – now, AI can generate countless questions from course material, freeing up human educators to focus on teaching.
EdTech's Journey: From Niche to Mainstream
The EdTech sector saw a massive boom during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools closed. This attracted many new players, some looking for quick success. However, Kumar emphasizes that EdTech is a long-term game. Simplilearn, which started in 2010 with just one program and now offers over 400, has grown by focusing on student success and referrals, not just trends. They serve 8 million learners across 152 countries, with a certificate shared on LinkedIn every minute! Their secret? Live classes with real instructors, offering an engaging, hands-on experience that goes beyond passive video learning.
What's even more interesting is how EdTech is becoming a formal part of our education system. Once seen as a "side activity," even prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are now offering full online degrees and partnering with EdTech platforms. For a country like India, where building thousands of new physical colleges isn't feasible, online education is the only way to reach more students, especially in remote areas, and meet ambitious enrollment targets.
India's Global Leadership in Learning
Kumar believes India is poised to become a global leader in EdTech, much like its success in the IT services industry. With a vast population needing education and a wealth of talent, India is perfectly positioned to create world-class online learning solutions. The quality of AI courses offered here, for instance, is on par with global standards.
When it comes to government regulation, Kumar suggests that too much interference could actually slow down innovation. EdTech thrives on being agile and experimenting. Instead, he advocates for self-regulation, where companies prioritize the best interests of their learners. Ultimately, businesses that don't serve their students well won't last.
The future of education is clearly online, powered by AI, and India is at the forefront of this exciting revolution.
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