Awareness Article - The Ed-Tech's Unrecognized Degrees and Diplomas Are Putting Students at Risk.

Introduction

In recent years, India has witnessed a significant boom in the ed-tech sector, offering students an array of online courses, degrees, and diplomas. While these platforms promise flexible learning and career advancement, there is a growing concern about the transparency and legality of their operations.

As I delve into the realm of today's Indian education ecosystem for skilling and upskilling, I'm struck by the dichotomy between innovation and regulation. The EdTech industry has promised to revolutionize education, but beneath the surface lies a trap for unsuspecting students.

EdTech companies are revolutionizing the way we learn, but at what cost?

Many EdTech companies are offering degrees and diplomas that are not recognized by Indian universities, leaving students with a financial burden and no valid credentials. The lack of recognized degrees and diplomas has created a quagmire, putting students' futures at risk.

Background

As AICTE chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe commented "We have given approvals to universities and colleges to offer degree and diploma programmes but they are supposed to offer it on their own and not piggyback on private companies or outsource their job to any third party," told PTI in an interview.

The comments by the AICTE chairman come after the technical education regulator and University Grants Commission (UGC) warned universities and colleges against offering courses in distance learning and online mode in association with Ed-Tech companies, saying no "franchise" agreement is permissible as per norms.

The Issue

In my opinion, the biggest challenge lies in the quality of online courses.

As Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the UGC, aptly puts it, "The degree offered will not have value in the job market." This is a stark reality check for students who've invested time and money in these programs. Current higher education skilling programs face numerous challenges, including:

• Lack of standardization and accreditation
• Insufficient industry partnerships and practical training
• Limited access to resources and infrastructure
• Inadequate faculty training and support
• Poor employability outcomes

Ed-tech companies, in collaboration with certain universities and colleges, have been offering distance learning and online courses. However, these partnerships often bypass regulatory norms set by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

According to a recent statement by AICTE Chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe, no institution, including prestigious ones like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is allowed to engage in "franchise" agreements with ed-tech companies for course delivery.

This practice has raised alarms about the legitimacy of the degrees and diplomas being offered.

How Ed-Tech Companies Exploit the System

1. Lack of Accreditation: Many ed-tech companies offer programs that are not accredited by recognized regulatory bodies. They market these as equivalent to traditional degrees, misleading students about their value.
2. Aggressive Marketing: These companies often employ aggressive marketing tactics, promising job-ready skills and lucrative careers. They target vulnerable students and parents, who may not be fully aware of the importance of accreditation.
3. Opaque Partnerships: The partnerships between educational institutions and ed-tech companies are often not transparent. The fine print regarding the recognition and validity of these programs is either downplayed or not disclosed, leaving students in the dark.

Impact on Students and the Education System

I've spoken to students who've invested their hard-earned money and precious time in EdTech programs, only to find that their degrees are worthless in the job market.

But, it's not just about the degrees. It's about the lack of standardization, inadequate faculty training, and poor employability outcomes. EdTech companies prioritize profits over quality, leaving students with a subpar education.

Moreover, the proliferation of unregulated educational offerings can erode trust in the education system and dilute the quality of higher education.

Need for Regulatory Oversight

To curb these practices, there is a pressing need for stringent regulations. The AICTE and UGC have already issued warnings, but enforcement needs to be stronger. Institutions should be mandated to clearly disclose the accreditation status of their courses, and any affiliations with third-party providers must be transparent and subject to regulatory approval.

Raising Awareness

Public awareness campaigns are crucial to inform students and parents about the risks associated with unaccredited programs. Educational institutions and government bodies should collaborate to provide clear guidelines and resources for identifying legitimate programs.

Conclusion

As the ed-tech sector continues to grow, it is vital to ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of quality and transparency. A concerted effort from regulatory bodies, educational institutions, and the public is necessary to safeguard the integrity of India’s education system and protect students from potentially harmful practices.

Remember, education is an investment in your future.

Don't let EdTech's promise blind you to the reality. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and demand quality.

Let's create a movement to demand better from EdTech. Let's prioritize quality over profits and ensure that our education system serves us, not just the bottom line.