Augmented reality (AR) is revolutionizing educational technology (edtech) in India and beyond. As a result, traditional approaches to teaching in critical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects will be transformed by AR, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
In GlobalData’s Emerging Technology Sentiment Analysis, Q2 2021 – Thematic Research, AR was perceived as the most disruptive technology, ahead of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). To compile the report, GlobalData surveyed more than 2,000 professionals in over 30 industries.
Edtech firms “must invest in AR”
Rupantar Guha, Associate Project Manager in Thematic Team at GlobalData, says:
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“AR is making the leap from gaming and e-commerce to shake up new sectors, including education. It will help convert traditional, textbook-based learning practices into visual, interactive, and immersive experiences.”
According to Guha, Edtech firms must invest in AR to enhance the learning experience for their users, be they K-12 students, competitive test applicants, or corporate professionals. He underlined that early AR adoption “will help vendors attract users, differentiate their services, and strengthen their competitive edge over their rivals.” Rupantar indicated that Byju’s and UpGrad are leading the pack in AR adoption in India, but “more players will follow suit in the coming months.”
David Bicknell, Principal Analyst in Thematic Team, comments:
“Byju’s rapid growth reflects the vibrancy of the Indian edtech market. The country will become a magnet for edtech investment, particularly around AR.”
Bicknell acknowledges that Byju’s AR expertise, following its acquisitions of Osmo in 2019 and Whodat in 2021, “will help it position itself for the US market”. He also expressed that “further acquisitions are likely, and an IPO is on the horizon, possibly in 2022 or more likely in 2023.”
