Moderator -Prof. Amit Bhatnagar, Marketing Faculty, Center for Management Education (CME), AIMA

Panelist 1 - Mr. Pravek Saxena, CEO, Smalt & Beryl Pvt. Ltd
Panelist 2 - Mr. Arpit Sharma, National Head, Assessments and Affiliations, Skill Council for Green Jobs. 

Skill development through e-learning has gained increased importance and acceptance in view of the challenges posed by Covid-19. The rapid adoption of digital technologies is redefining businesses globally. Skill development through e-learning is gaining momentum for both domain as well as soft skills. According to a study by KPMG in India and Google, the Indian e-learning market will be worth a staggering $2 billion by 2021. Delivery of soft skills competencies is moving towards the digital mode with the help of short concept audio-videos, real-life scenario-based AI solutions, secondary research projects, and smart gamified solutions.

As the pioneer of Distance Management Education, AIMA has always been an early starter, even in the digital space. AIMA was one of the first organisation to offer Internet Based Remote Proctored Tests on a national level; and among the first to shift its service offerings online. AIMA quickly built digital expertise and now has the capability to offer its management programmes and business solutions in the physical, virtual and hybrid mode; as per industry requirements. Ever since its inception, AIMA-CME has focused on developing management professionals. It has taken proactive steps to adapt its curriculum to the changing dynamics of the industry and service sectors. 

Once again, AIMA recognises the lacunae in the sector of management education. Ultimately, Management Education in India in general needs to improve by leaps and bounds, especially in remote corners and rural areas. There is a need to upgrade teaching methodologies, plug the shortage of teachers, improve the student-teacher ratio, and enhance knowledge resources. E-learning is going to be the face of future education in the country. Currently, both the learner and the academia are embracing e-learning methodology more as a temporary solution for Covid-19 times, but the need is to take e-learning forward and add it as a long-term framework to existing learning models. With the internet becoming affordable and more accessible, we will have a greater convergence of digital and traditional teaching-learning mediums.