The Online Shift: End of Humanities and Higher Education?

Abstract

Technology has revolutionized, modernised the higher education and research in a quite significant way. Several technological tools, apps, and, virtual platforms assisted, and guided us during the pandemic crisis to further the higher education; as they are doing now. The virtual platforms are crucial mediums too to get connected to the various academicians, scholars, and other luminaries across the world. Also, they provide us with innumerable materials and information to access instantly, thereby enriching us in several ways. But, if the digital education/online education is spread across India, then, shall we able to cope with it? Shall we be able to cope with the vast infrastructural change required for a drastic digitalization/technologization of higher education? Apart from network/connectivity issues, and the desired technical competency, the spread of online education across India also involves the fear of a huge amount of job loss/unemployment factor; which are not so easy to meet with. With the threat of AI and machines looming large, humanity/human space/s already seems to be shrinking and endangered. Technology is threatening to take control over human society, culture, and civilization. In such a situation, are countries like India prepared to undertake such mighty challenge? What will be the outcome of this?