🔆 The article discusses the role of technology in education in India, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in leveraging digital solutions for equitable access and improved learning outcomes, particularly for underprivileged communities. Evolution of Technology in Education: ✅1990s-2000s: Mass education drives, but learning outcomes remained stagnant (ASER reports). ✅Digital Revolution: Computers, mobile phones, digital technology emerged, but impact on underprivileged education was limited. ✅COVID-19 Pandemic: Accelerated digital adoption in rural India, highlighted digital divide (ASER data). Smartphone Penetration: ✅Rural Households: Increased smartphone access (90% in 2018 to 84% in 2024). ✅Individual Ownership: Rising among 14-16 year olds (19% to 31% in one year). ✅Mothers' Access: Data unclear on smartphone ownership among mothers of young children. 📍Challenges and Opportunities: ✅Hardware Availability: Increasing access to smartphones, but higher-order hardware needs growing with AI advancements. ✅Language Barrier: Local language writing, dictation, and translation tools now available. ✅Digital Skills Gap: Need for guidance on accessing and utilizing learning resources. ✅Infrastructure: Access to schools is complete, but quality of learning remains a concern. ✅Equity: Ensuring access and benefits of technology reach underprivileged communities. ✅Profit-Driven Innovation: Limited use of innovations where profits cannot be made. Key Questions: ✅Will philanthropic investments be enough to universalize educational technology? ✅Can India develop a roadmap to harness technology for those who need it most? Possible Questions: ✅Prelims: Which of the following statements regarding technology and education in India is/are correct? ASER reports from the 1990s and 2000s showed significant improvement in learning outcomes despite increased school enrollment. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technology in rural India. The availability of smartphones in rural households has significantly increased in recent years. (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✅Mains: "While technology offers immense potential to revolutionize education in India, bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access remain critical challenges." Discuss this statement in the context of the article, suggesting strategies to effectively leverage technology for improved learning outcomes, particularly for underprivileged communities.