How the Internet Changed Education Forever: A Journey Through the Years

The internet has revolutionised the way we learn, teach, and access knowledge. From e-learning platforms to real-time virtual classrooms, online education has grown beyond imagination over the last two decades. Whether it’s rural India or a metro city, the internet has helped bridge many educational gaps. It’s no longer just about textbooks and blackboards—students now

I felt this topic was worth writing about because we’ve all witnessed how education has transformed in front of our eyes, especially during the pandemic. I remember how schools and colleges had to quickly shift online, and although the journey wasn’t smooth, it showed how powerful the internet can be as a learning tool. As someone who works closely with educational content and stays updated on student challenges, I often come across real stories where online access has changed lives. But while we talk about the success, it’s also important to see the challenges—like the digital divide and screen fatigue—that continue to affect learners, especially in under-resourced areas. That’s what makes this conversation timely and necessary.

From Chalkboards to Smartboards: The Digital Shift in Classrooms

One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is in the traditional classroom setup. Blackboards and chalks have given way to smartboards, projectors, and tablets. Teachers now use YouTube videos, educational animations, and simulations to explain concepts that were once difficult to grasp with just words or diagrams. For example, a biology teacher explaining human anatomy can now show 3D visuals of organs instead of only using textbook illustrations.

This kind of multimedia learning appeals to different kinds of learners—some understand better by listening, others by watching. And the internet has made this mix possible.

Online Learning Platforms Have Opened New Doors

Websites and apps like BYJU’S, Unacademy, Khan Academy, Coursera, and even YouTube have democratised learning. A student sitting in a small village in Odisha can now learn from a top IIT professor, something that was unthinkable 20 years ago.

Many of these platforms offer content in regional languages too, which makes it even more accessible. Competitive exam preparation, skill development courses, or simple concept clearing videos—everything is available online, many for free.

The Role of the Internet During the Pandemic

COVID-19 was a turning point for online education. With schools shut down, online classes became the only way for students to stay connected with learning. Apps like Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams became part of everyday vocabulary for both students and teachers.

Schools and colleges that never imagined going digital were forced to adapt. This experience showed both the strength and weaknesses of the internet in education. While some students thrived in online settings, many struggled due to lack of devices or internet connectivity.

Digital Divide: The Other Side of the Story

While many urban students have easy access to high-speed internet and personal devices, a huge chunk of students in rural and low-income families still lack these basic facilities. A government survey in 2021 showed that only around 30% of rural households had internet access.

This means that even if online content is freely available, not everyone can use it. Without proper infrastructure, online education risks deepening the educational gap rather than fixing it.

Teachers Have Had to Evolve Too

The internet hasn’t just changed how students learn—it has changed how teachers teach. Many educators had to undergo training to understand how to use online tools, create digital content, and manage virtual classrooms.

While some struggled in the beginning, many adapted beautifully. They started creating PDFs, video lectures, and even conducting online tests. This digital skill upgradation was a big and necessary step in making Indian education future-ready.

Students Are Becoming Independent Learners

Earlier, most students relied only on schools or tuition centres. But today, many students actively search for their own learning resources online. They attend webinars, explore new topics, follow educational influencers, and even engage in peer learning through online forums.

This shift towards self-learning is a big win because it builds curiosity and confidence in students. But at the same time, it also requires guidance to avoid misinformation or unhealthy learning habits.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.