UPSC Essentials | Society and Social Justice — Literacy and associated issues (Part 2)

First, as education transitioned to remote and online platforms during lockdowns, the peril of illiteracy became evident in terms of its hindrance to access and engagement. Illiterate individuals faced significant barriers in accessing digital resources, online classes, and educational content. This digital divide highlighted the urgent need for digital literacy alongside traditional literacy, as illiteracy prevented individuals from utilizing essential digital tools for learning and communication. The education and learning outcomes of the vulnerable sections of society- the girl child and the children of the poor, the lower castes, tribals, those in backward states, and those in rural areas were more severely hit by the pandemic.

Second, the pandemic emphasised the role of literacy in disseminating accurate information. Misinformation and rumors about the virus spread rapidly, making it essential for individuals to critically evaluate information sources. Literacy enables people to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and safety.

Furthermore, the economic fallout of the pandemic disproportionately affected individuals with low literacy skills. Many jobs and economic activities shifted online, requiring basic digital skills. Illiterate individuals faced increased difficulties in accessing job opportunities and social support systems, perpetuating economic inequality.

The pandemic also illuminated the importance of literacy in understanding public health guidelines and adhering to preventive measures. Individuals who could not comprehend written instructions struggled to follow protocols, potentially putting themselves and others at risk.

In a broader societal context, the pandemic emphasized the need for literacy to foster resilience and adaptability. The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is crucial in rapidly changing circumstances. Literacy enables individuals to engage with new information and concepts, equipping them to adjust to evolving challenges and opportunities.

In essence, the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted that illiteracy is not only a personal challenge but also a societal one with far-reaching implications.

It accentuated the importance of holistic literacy that encompasses both traditional reading and writing skills as well as digital, health, and information literacy. As we navigate the aftermath of the pandemic and prepare for future uncertainties, addressing illiteracy becomes a critical component of building a resilient and informed society.

Manas: How do adult illiteracy and child illiteracy differ in terms of challenges?

Pranay Aggarwal: Adult illiteracy and child illiteracy present distinct sets of challenges due to differences in cognitive development, learning contexts, and socio-economic factors. Let me delve into the contrasting aspects of these two forms of illiteracy:

1. Cognitive Development:

• Child Illiteracy: Children have more flexible cognitive structures, making them more receptive to learning new skills. Their brains are in a stage of rapid development, allowing them to grasp language and literacy concepts relatively quickly.

• Adult Illiteracy: Adults often face cognitive rigidity, making it comparatively challenging to acquire new skills, especially literacy. The neural pathways associated with reading and writing may not be as adaptable as in children.

2. Learning Context:

• Child Illiteracy: Children primarily learn in formal educational settings, such as schools and early childhood centers. These environments are designed to support language acquisition and literacy development.

• Adult Illiteracy: Adults typically learn in a variety of settings, including non-formal education programmes, community centers, or even through self-study. These environments might lack the structured and immersive learning experiences that children receive in schools.

3. Socio-Economic Factors:

• Child Illiteracy: Socio-economic factors can impact child literacy, but early intervention programs and compulsory education laws like the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 in India try to mitigate these disparities. However, poverty and lack of access to quality education can still hinder progress.

• Adult Illiteracy: Socio-economic factors, such as limited resources, work commitments, and family responsibilities, often pose significant barriers for adults seeking to learn literacy skills. Adult illiteracy is often intertwined with issues like low-income jobs and limited opportunities for skill development.

4. Motivation and Self-Efficacy:

• Child Illiteracy: Children are often motivated to learn by their natural curiosity and the encouragement of parents and educators. They are less likely to face the psychological barriers that some adults might experience.

• Adult Illiteracy: Adults might grapple with feelings of shame, inadequacy, or embarrassment related to their illiteracy. Building their self-efficacy and motivating them to engage in learning can be more challenging due to these emotional barriers.

5. Remedial Strategies:

• Child Illiteracy: Early intervention programs and a supportive educational environment can effectively address child illiteracy. Schools can implement diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles.

• Adult Illiteracy: Remedial strategies for adults need to consider their existing life commitments. Flexible schedules, personalized learning approaches, and the integration of practical skills are crucial in adult literacy programs.

In summary, while both child and adult illiteracy have significant challenges, the differences lie in the cognitive, learning, socio-economic, and psychological aspects.

Addressing these challenges requires tailored approaches that consider the unique circumstances of each age group.

Manas: Please elaborate on the digital divide in education in India.

Pranay Aggarwal: Marginalised segments of society have lesser access to digital technologies and digital education. This includes girls, villagers, the economically disadvantaged, children from lower castes and tribal communities, and those residing in less developed regions. The penetration of digital technologies in India has been both haphazard and exclusionary. For instance, while 66 per cent of India’s population lives in villages, not many of rural households have access to internet services.

Ownership of smartphones and computers also determines access to digital education. Number of Indians who own a smartphone are still not even on a half way mark, and not many of households possess any type of computer (including desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, or tablets).

Access to electricity is crucial for digital education, both for powering devices as well as for connecting to the internet. According to a nationwide survey of villages conducted by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2017-’18, 16 percent of India’s rural households received one to eight hours of electricity daily, while 33 per cent received it for 9-12 hours.

The digital divide is also evident across class, gender, regions, and place of residence. Among the poorest 20 percent of households, only 2.7 percent have access to a computer and 8.9 percent to internet facilities. The difference is apparent across states too. For example, the proportion of households with access to a computer varies from 4.6 percent in Bihar to 35 percent in Delhi. According to a 2023 report by the GSM Association, there is a 40 percent gender gap in mobile internet use in India.

Manas: What is the impact of this digital divide on education in India?

Pranay Aggarwal: The digital divide has significant and far-reaching impacts on the Indian education system. Ours is a country with diverse socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic characteristics; so the digital divide poses significant and complex sets of challenges. Some key impacts of the digital divide on education in India are:

1. Inequitable Access: The digital divide exacerbates existing educational inequalities in India. Girls, SCs, STs, and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly in rural areas, are less likely to have access to digital devices, reliable internet connectivity, and online learning resources. This limits their ability to access quality educational materials and participate in online learning.

2. Uneven Learning Opportunities: Students with limited access to digital technologies have fewer opportunities for online learning, which has become increasingly important, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. This can result in an uneven educational experience, with some students falling behind their peers who have better access to online classes, educational websites, and digital textbooks.

3. Exclusion from Skill Development: The lack of digital access hampers skill development, particularly for underprivileged students. Digital skills are increasingly essential for employability and entrepreneurship, making the digital divide a barrier to economic mobility.

4. Exclusion from Digital Literacy: Digital literacy is a critical skill in the modern world. Students without regular access to digital tools may struggle to develop these skills, including basic computer proficiency, online research abilities, and critical thinking about online information. This puts them at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital and information-driven society.

5. Impact on Remote and Rural Education: In remote and rural areas of India, the digital divide is particularly acute. These regions often lack adequate internet infrastructure, making it difficult for students to access online education. The absence of digital access can further marginalize these areas and limit educational opportunities.

6. Teachers face Challenges: Educators in India must adapt to the digital divide by teaching students with varying levels of digital access and literacy. This challenge can be particularly daunting when designing effective teaching strategies that cater to all learners.

7. Assessment Disparities: Online assessments and standardized tests are becoming more commonplace in India. Students with limited access to digital tools may perform poorly on such assessments, leading to unfair evaluation and potential consequences for their academic and career prospects.

8. Global Competitiveness: As India strives to compete in the global economy, the digital divide poses a significant risk. Without access to digital tools and education, a significant portion of the population may be ill-prepared for the demands of the modern job market.

9. Homework Gap: Many Indian students lack internet access at home, creating a “homework gap.” This gap means that students cannot access online resources, complete assignments, or participate in virtual classrooms outside of school hours, which can hinder their academic progress.

10. Impact on Special Needs Education: Students with disabilities in India may require specialized digital tools and resources for their education. The digital divide can limit their access to assistive technologies, hindering their learning and inclusion in mainstream education.

Addressing the digital divide in Indian education requires concerted efforts to provide affordable access to digital devices, improve internet infrastructure in rural areas, develop digital literacy programs, and create inclusive online learning resources.

Bridging this divide is crucial for ensuring equitable educational opportunities and preparing all students for success in an increasingly digital world.

Manas: Digital literacy is often seen in news, so let’s focus a bit more on digital literacy. What should students keep in mind?

Pranay Aggarwal: Digital literacy is a crucial skill for students in the 21st century, enabling them to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and effectively. Here are key aspects that students should keep in mind:

1. Critical Evaluation of Information: Students should learn to critically assess online information sources. They must verify information from multiple credible sources before accepting it as true, helping one to avoid misinformation and fake news.

2. Copyright and Plagiarism: Online learners must develop an understanding of copyright laws and the importance of giving credit to original creators. They must resist the urge to engage in plagiarism by properly citing sources and respecting intellectual property rights.

3. Digital Footprint: Students should realize that their online activities leave a digital footprint that can impact their reputation. They should practice responsible online behavior, as future employers and colleges may review their online presence.

4. Online Etiquette: Students need to learn digital etiquette, or “netiquette,” which includes using appropriate language, showing respect in online interactions, and being mindful of cultural differences in virtual communication.

5. Cyberbullying Awareness: Students need to be aware of cyberbullying and its impact. They need to be empathetic, report any instances they encounter, and support those who may be victims of online harassment.

6. Privacy and Security: Students should understand the importance of safeguarding personal information online. They must understand the need for strong, unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and being cautious while sharing personal details on social media or websites.

7. Reliable Sources and Fact-Checking: Students must identify reliable sources for research. They need to fact-check information and avoid relying solely on biased or unverified online platforms.

8. Digital Balance: Students need to develop healthy screen time and understand the importance of balancing online activities with offline activities. They must respect and engage in physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and get adequate sleep.

9. Online Relationships: Youngsters need to understand the risks of online interactions with strangers and the potential for online predators. They need to be cautious while engaging with unknown individuals and avoid sharing personal information.

10. Online Learning Skills: Students need to be equipped with effective online learning strategies, as remote and hybrid learning become more common. They need to appreciate how to navigate learning management systems, use online collaboration tools, and manage their time effectively.

11. Cybersecurity Awareness: Online learners have to realize the significance of protecting against malware, phishing scams, and online threats. Students need to be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from untrusted sources.

12. Continuous Learning: Digital literacy is an evolving skill. Students, in fact, all of us, need to stay updated with the latest digital trends, security practices, and online tools to enhance our digital competence.

By instilling these principles of digital literacy, students can harness the vast potential of the digital world while making informed and responsible choices that contribute to their personal growth and the well-being of the online community.

Manas: Finally, what is the power of literacy according to yo, which the aspirants should not forget?

Pranay Aggarwal: The power of literacy is formidable, as it transcends various aspects of life, including education, career, and social interactions. Literacy serves as a foundation for personal growth, empowerment, and meaningful engagement in a rapidly evolving world.

1. Education: At its core, literacy is the gateway to education. It enables individuals to access knowledge across various subjects, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broader understanding of the world. Literacy empowers learners to engage with textbooks, research articles, and digital resources, enabling them to learn independently and stay informed. A literate individual can comprehend complex concepts, ask questions, and seek answers, thus facilitating continuous learning and personal development.

2. Career Advancement: In the professional realm, literacy plays a vital role in career advancement. Reading and writing skills are essential for effective communication in the workplace. Literacy empowers individuals to create well-structured documents, convey ideas persuasively, and collaborate with colleagues. Moreover, literacy extends to digital skills in the modern era, as many job roles require navigating digital platforms, data analysis, and online communication. A literate individual is better equipped to adapt to technological advancements and contribute meaningfully to their profession.

3. Social and Political Empowerment: Literacy enhances social interactions by enabling individuals to express themselves, engage in informed discussions, and understand diverse perspectives. It fosters civic participation by allowing individuals to comprehend and engage with current developments, government policies, and societal issues. Ambedkar had advised the Dalits to “educate, organize, and agitate” as the road to empowerment of the community. Literate citizens are more likely to be active participants in their communities, advocating for their rights, making informed decisions during elections, and contributing to social change.

4. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Literacy fuels critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to read critically, evaluate information sources, and synthesize ideas empowers individuals to make informed decisions. Literacy enables them to analyze complex issues, weigh pros and cons, and arrive at reasoned conclusions. This is particularly crucial in an age where misinformation abounds, as literate individuals are better equipped to discern fact from fiction.

5. Personal Empowerment: Beyond its practical applications, literacy bestows a sense of personal empowerment and confidence. The capacity to express oneself through writing can be cathartic and empowering, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Literacy enables individuals to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives with the world, contributing to cultural enrichment and a diverse discourse. In essence, the power of literacy is transformative. It enables individuals to explore the realms of knowledge, engage effectively in various spheres of life, and unleash their full potential. In a rapidly changing world where information is abundant and communication is key, literacy is not just a skill—it’s a foundational element that empowers individuals to thrive intellectually, professionally, and socially.

In the upcoming part on literacy we shall focus on questions such as:

— What are India’s various initiatives towards increasing literacy rate, including education policies?

— Some success stories, case studies and notable intiatives in literacy and education.

—  New India Literacy Programme

and many more points to ponder…

Previous topics on Society and Social Justice:

UPSC Essentials: Society & Social Justice | Population and associated issues (Part 1)

UPSC Essentials: Society & Social Justice | Population and associated issues (Part 2)

UPSC Essentials| Society & Social Justice — Urbanisation and associated issues (Part 1)

UPSC Essentials | Society & Social Justice : Urbanisation and associated issues (Part 2)

UPSC Essentials | Society & Social Justice : Urbanisation and associated issues (Part 3)

UPSC Essentials | Society & Social Justice : Literacy and associated issues (Part 1)

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