VIRTUAL: Applying Education

Abstract

The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) is a vision document that intertwines all the aspects of education for a growing, glowing India. Adult education and lifelong learning though appear to be a niche area of discussion in academic circles but have a very crucial role in the development of India. We will enter Ram Rajya by introducing the round development of an adult. Adult literacy finds its first mention in NEP (chapter 3) wherein the policy talks of ODL programs beginning from the school level. The NEP 2020 focuses on a number of issues and has taken measures for the same. It states that foundational literacy and foundational numeracy is a fundamental right of every citizen, irrespective of age. The policy very carefully points out five theme areas which if we look carefully cover all angles of a dignified human existence through lifelong learning. The proposed paper presents a comprehensive analysis of measures and modalities to ensure quality lifelong learning opportunities to the masses, irrespective of age, class, caste and gender. In the entire NEP document, the technology role in ensuring effectiveness and efficiency of any system is reflected. The vision in the document is futuristic. The Steps proposed by NEP are: First Step: Realizing and appreciating the role of education of the people in India. The second step recommended by NEP (21.6) is the next logical one with infrastructure which should not be merely namesake. The third step suggested by NEP is the main force behind the success of the Adult education programs i.e. the educators or the instructors. The Fourth step as the policy unfolds is to ensure that the community is involved. The next and fifth step is inculcating the habit and culture of reading. In the final and sixth step, the NEP reiterates the strengths and the advantages of using technology to reach the unreached.