Realizing The Potential Of Digital-Physical Convergence For Inclusive Learning In Keeping With NEP 2020

Abstract

This study examines the use of digital-physical convergence in school environments, more so the extent to which it comes under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Drawn from more than 250 students' responses from Delhi NCR city schools, the study examines a number of themes: accessibility of offline and online learning resources, integrating digital tools with traditional materials, and designing hybrid learning environments. Findings show that in spite of the fact that the majority of students have access to physical and online study materials, vast gaps remain in infrastructure—i.e., availability of smart boards and reliable Wi-Fi—and provision of digital content in students' native language. The facts reveal that while the majority of teachers leverage portals like DIKSHA and SWAYAM and also provide print copies in advance in case digital access proves to be a challenge, not all students are as lucky. Inefficient application of blended learning is triggered by instability in parental support, customary internet availability issues, and inadequate digital literacy training programs. Students greet mostly in-person class contact but also embrace the reality that integration of digital and analog approaches may facilitate successes in learning. Fewer than half of the schools, however, incorporate a normal practice of inclusive education for disabled kids, and attitudes toward equal digital opportunity vary considerably. Other than this, while some students are given individual feedback at the class and online level, and they work in groups through online medium, no such exercise is a regular feature. The research portrays an open cry for explicit teacher training, additional infrastructure, and policy intervention to meet digital equity and inclusion deficiencies. Finally, the study puts in focus the aspect that the fulfillment of the full potential of digital-physical convergence towards inclusive education is the result of long-term investment and shared vision so that the NEP 2020 vision for equality in education is indeed fulfilled by all.