A few years ago, most Indian parents saw screens as distractions. Today, they’re helping children log into virtual classes, check assignments, and even troubleshoot internet issues. The shift hasn’t been subtle—it’s been seismic. And in many ways, it’s changed how we think about learning at home.
The role of parents in digital learning isn’t just about supervising homework or limiting screen time. It’s about becoming active participants in a child’s learning journey—whether that means understanding how an app works, encouraging digital reading, or navigating online assessments together.
Post-2020, with schools going remote almost overnight, families across India had no choice but to adapt. According to a 2021 report by Azim Premji University, over 90% of surveyed parents across 5 states reported being involved in their child’s online education during the pandemic. That involvement didn’t fade away even after physical schools reopened.
Now, with blended learning becoming more common—especially in cities and emerging in semi-urban areas—parental engagement is more vital than ever. But here's the thing: digital learning isn’t only about having a device. It’s about understanding how to use it for learning. And that’s where many families, particularly in low-income or rural areas, face challenges.
Language barriers, lack of digital literacy, and even shared mobile devices in joint families are real hurdles. Yet, despite these, families are showing remarkable resilience. In Tamil Nadu, for instance, village libraries and parent circles have emerged where one digitally literate parent helps others navigate learning platforms. It’s informal, but impactful.
Government initiatives have taken note too. The NCERT’s Learning Outcomes framework now includes parent involvement as a key pillar. Under the PM eVIDYA scheme, the DIKSHA platform includes resources not just for teachers and students, but for parents too. The National Education Policy 2020 goes further—encouraging school-home partnerships to support holistic learning.
Still, schools and EdTech providers must do more. Offering parent dashboards is one thing—but explaining what those graphs mean, in local languages, is what truly builds trust. Regular virtual parent-teacher meetings, short explainer videos, and digital guides in regional languages can bridge the gap.
The role of parents in digital learning isn’t just about logistics. It’s emotional. A child who feels supported at home is far more likely to stay motivated—even if the lesson is on a small phone screen. It’s a quiet revolution happening in Indian households, one WhatsApp group, one YouTube tutorial, and one login at a time.
And maybe, just maybe, the biggest outcome of digital learning won’t be better tech skills—but stronger learning partnerships between home and school.
