The barriers and future opportunities
A significant number of India’s higher education institutions have yet to fully embrace digital transformation. AV Today spoke with Digital Transformation Strategist Sandeep Bansal to explore the challenges and what lies ahead.
India’s higher education is at a pivotal moment, with digital transformation being the buzzword amongst Educators. Despite recognizing the infinite potential and impact of technology on education, many institutions struggle to shift from traditional methods to integrated digital systems. This slow pace of change emphasizes the need to rethink how education is delivered and experienced in an increasingly digital world.
To elaborate on this topic, AV Today had an insightful conversation with Sandeep Bansal, an AI and Digital Transformation Strategist cum Cybersecurity Strategist. He has played a crucial role in helping institutions such as Manipal Academy of Higher Education and REVA University incorporate AI and digital infrastructure into their academic models.
Sandeep explains that digital transformation goes beyond introducing a new technology. It starts with digitization, which involves converting manual data into digital records, followed by digitalization, where software tools handle specific tasks. The true shift occurs when systems communicate through APIs and integrated platforms. Digital transformation redefines how institutions operate and think, fostering a digital-first culture that enhances operational efficiency and an overall educational experience.
Change in higher education is often slow. Faculty members, already managing heavy teaching loads, hesitate to adopt new tools that require extra time and training. This reluctance stems from limited bandwidth and sometimes outdated visions, especially among leaders from a pre-digital era. Meanwhile, students immersed in technology expect learning experiences to match the digital world. As Sandeep states, “Today’s students are born with devices in hand. They’re not going to wait for outdated systems to catch up.”
AV technology has transformed classrooms with tools like smart boards and LED video walls, fostering interactive learning environments. Events like convocations are live-streamed, and smart classrooms enable hybrid learning. Digital displays have replaced traditional notice boards for real-time updates. Sandeep notes that these advancements enhance operational efficiency and the student experience.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education by capturing lectures, generating summaries, and creating quizzes automatically. This reduces faculty workload and helps students reinforce their learning more effectively.
Additionally, technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are beginning to make an impact in education. While these devices are becoming more accessible, the real challenge lies in creating high-quality educational content. If content creation can be made easier and more cost-effective, AR and VR have the potential to transform learning by turning complex subjects into tangible experiences.
Amidst all this progress, Sandeep emphasizes a crucial yet often overlooked aspect: data security. While institutions invest significantly in physical infrastructure and security, they frequently fall short in digital protection. With cyber threats increasing and student data becoming more vulnerable, the demand for specialized IT teams and secure systems is more urgent than ever.
He envisions the future of education as hybrid, collaborative, and personalized, with a focus on discussion and applied learning over one-way lectures. For this vision to materialize, institutions need clear goals, effective strategies, and strong partnerships. AV and IT partners should act as problem solvers rather than just product sellers, while institutions must clearly define their needs to align solutions with their vision.
Despite the promising future that AI and digital tools offer, Sandeep ends on a thoughtful note: while technology can enhance the learning journey, it cannot replace the human connection between educators and students. Empathy, mentorship, and the personal touch will always be at the heart of meaningful education.
