In the current era, digital skills have emerged as an important factor for individuals to participate in the economy and society. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the traditional ways of work and education, pushing individuals to adopt digital tools for remote work, online learning and digital communication. This has led to an unprecedented surge in the demand for digital skills, with employers seeking competent candidates with the necessary skills to adapt to the rapidly changing work environment.
In 2021, National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) released a report that highlighted the need for digital skills in the Indian education system. The report emphasised the importance of incorporating digital skills into the education system to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the changing environment. Governments, educational institutions, and employers must work together to develop digital education and training programs to equip individuals with the skills needed to participate fully in the digital economy.
The need for digital skills is not just limited to technical skills but also encompasses cognitive and socio-behavioural skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork. It can be said that digital skills are the new-age currency that individuals must possess to remain competitive and productive in the workforce. It is, therefore, imperative for individuals to acquire the necessary digital literacy to thrive in the digital era.
Increasing Demand For Professional Proficiency
The demand for professionals proficient in digital literacy, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity has increased significantly in India in recent years. A report by KPMG in 2021 stated that digital skills will be critical for India's economic growth and by 2025, the country will need over 90 million digitally skilled workers. The report highlighted that digital skills such as data analytics, AI and cybersecurity are in high demand across various sectors. It further stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the demand for digital skills.
The demand for professionals proficient in digital literacy, data analytics, AI and cybersecurity has increased significantly in India. The shortage of skilled professionals in these areas is a significant concern for industry and the government and private organisations have launched several initiatives to address the skills gap. The emergence of a tech-based economy highlights the importance of developing digital skills for the future of learners to upskill themselves to meet the demands of the rapidly changing digital landscape.
Integrating Digital Skills Into Higher Education Curricula
The demand for digital skills is growing rapidly making it more vital than ever for higher education curricula to include them. A study done by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and EY, 2021, found that integrating digital skills into higher education is essential to closing India's digital skills gap.
The report, titled "Higher Education in India: Vision 2040," suggests that digital skills must be a key component of higher education curricula to equip learners with the necessary skills for the digital age. It advises employing technology-enhanced teaching strategies to give students practical experience with using digital tools and technologies.
To address the skills gap, the Indian government has launched several initiatives such as the National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) and the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM), which aim to provide training and upskilling skills. Private organisations have also taken initiatives to address the skills gap by providing training and certification programs in digital skills.
By integrating digital skills into higher education curricula, learners can develop a strong foundation in digital literacy, data analytics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, among other digital skills. This can not only enhance their employability but also contribute to India's economic growth in the digital age.
An Essential Part Of Modern Economy
Digital skills have become an essential part of the modern economy and society making it important to equip learners with the necessary skills to succeed in the future diffused in digitisation. The demand for digitally skilled individuals is increasing at an unprecedented rate, and it is imperative for learners to develop these skills to cope up with the technological transition. The integration of digital skills in higher education curricula is essential to bridge the digital skills gap and prepare learners for the future.
According to the India Skills Report 2021, only 45.9 per cent of young people would be regarded as employable. About 46.2 per cent of people were affected in 2020 and 47.4 per cent in 2019. The Skill India Mission, which was established by the Prime Minister in 2015 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, had as its goal the training of more than 40 crore individuals in India in various skills by the year 2022.
Furthermore, training educators in digital skills to effectively deliver online and hybrid learning is equally important. This will ensure that learners have access to quality digital education and are equipped with the necessary skills for the digital age. It is essential to focus on the integration of digital skills in higher education curricula, upskilling of educators and collaborations between industry and academia to bridge the digital skills gap and empower learners for the digital era.
(The author is the founder and CEO at Mytransform)
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