Fireside chat: Reimagining Education: Learning in the Age of Digital Content (Abhiraj Rajadhyaksha, Niyati Mavinkur Content creator duo Abhiraj Rajadhyaksha and Niyati Mavinkur, known as Abhi & Niyu, shared their insights on digital learning and storytelling at the TOI Right To Excellence Online School Summit. The duo, who were recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, spoke about the evolution of education in the digital age, the future of jobs, and the role of online content in skill development.They began by reflecting on their recognition and success. Abhiraj emphasized that achievements should not lead to complacency, saying, “Success is not bought, it is rented, and the rent is due every single day.”Online schooling and digital learningThe discussion moved to the rise of online education. Niyati spoke about their experiences with initiatives like Growth 365 and Genius Daily, where they provide curated lessons on content creation. She explained how digital platforms offer limitless learning opportunities, stating, “There is enough and more education out there online if you choose to access it.” She also shared how she used online resources to understand filmmaking, scriptwriting, and technical skills like camera handling. Abhiraj added to the discussion by citing government efforts to expand internet access in rural India. He referenced the Bharatnet initiative, explaining, “In 2023, 67% of India already had access to fast Internet,” and that ongoing projects aim to connect even more villages. He emphasized that online schooling is not a question of “if” but rather “how fast” it will happen and “who will adapt to it first”. He also noted that online education will increase classroom sizes significantly and benefit teachers by making education more accessible.The future of jobs and skill development The duo then addressed concerns about the job market in the age of AI and digital transformation. Abhiraj highlighted a shift in traditional job roles, saying, “Whatever was conventional is going to become unconventional, and whatever was unconventional is going to be very, very conventional.” He stressed the growing need for artists, creators, and individuals with hands-on skills. Niyati reinforced this point, stating that online education is not just about improving soft skills or excelling in academic subjects. “I feel like a lot of people view online education from the restricted prism of how it can help you uh with your soft skills or with skills that you’re currently learning, like how do I solve my mathematics problem, but there’s skills that you’re currently learning, like how do I solve my mathematics problem, but there’s also a whole section of knowledge out there to actually teach you how to do real world skills,” she said highlighting the problem.”Some of the most popular videos on the internet are of people breaking stuff, constructing things, conducting experiments, cooking, and gardening,” she added, explaining that these real-world skills are increasingly valued in the job market. She also pointed out that as AI automates certain tasks, traditional jobs that require hands-on expertise will become more sought-after.Entrepreneurship and learning to accept failure The conversation also touched upon entrepreneurship and early schooling fostering a business mindset. Abhiraj stressed that failure is a crucial part of success, stating, “Let students go ahead, make mistakes, be protective of them, but let them come back stronger.” He added, “You can only make a mistake once. If you repeat it, it’s not a mistake anymore, it’s a choice.”Niyati noted that more people are sharing their failures online, offering a realistic picture of entrepreneurship. She emphasized that showcasing both successes and struggles helps aspiring entrepreneurs prepare for real-world challenges.Visual storytelling and digital content The couple also highlighted the power of visual storytelling in education. Abhiraj pointed out that digital content allows for greater reach and efficiency, explaining that content creators can ‘create once but make it accessible multiple times to multiple people’ making knowledge accessible to a wider audience. The duo also emphasised that online education is revolutionising learning, making knowledge more accessible, and creating new opportunities for students, educators, and entrepreneurs alike.
Reimagining education: Digital content creator duo discuss online schooling and visual storytelling | India News
