The learning and education system, as it exists today, has been around for hundreds of years. Artificial intelligence and e-learning are bringing disruption in this system, globally. Until now, teachers and students could exchange knowledge mostly through classroom learning. For the past five years however, the trend of digital classrooms has been gaining a lot of steam.

With the help of artificial intelligence, not only are modern classrooms becoming smarter, digital classrooms and virtual learning are becoming widespread. The youth is finding this new education paradigm more engaging, fun and easy to learn. The shift towards AI and virtual learning is boosted by the increase in internet penetration and availability of portable devices with internet, such as smartphones. With mobile learning apps, students have access to learning – anytime, anywhere.

The 2016 KPMG report , shows that the Indian market size for elearning is poised to grow to $1.96 billion with approximately 9.6 million users by the year 2021. This is a huge statistic suggesting where the education industry is headed in the coming years. With rising expenditure on education, as per the National Sample Survey Office data, parents have been spending close to Rs.3,96,000 in private schools for secondary education and up to Rs. 18,00,000 for college and technical education.

AI and e-learning offer a cheaper alternative. With many online certificate courses and executive training courses getting recognition from the industry, students now have the option of attending classes with learning equivalent to their classrooms for much lesser cost. Moreover, India has the largest population of young workers globally. With more people becoming eligible every year to join colleges, the infrastructure is still not capable of fulfilling these demands. Here also, AI and e-learning can come to the rescue of those willing to learn through the online courses.

The Indian government is promoting the use of AI and e-learning among the youth through its “Digital India” and “Skill India” campaigns. As such, facilities like e-basta – availability of books online; e-education – schools having broadband and wi-fi connectivity; Nand ghars – digital tools for supporting teaching; India Skill online – an online skill training platform; and SWAYAM – MOOCs for classes 9th to post graduation – are ways to enhance the learning in a digital learning space.