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tasks, working out of her home or from anywhere.
This is the onset of a global trend i.e., gig economy
which means a shift from full time jobs towards
contract or gig-based jobs. However the education
industry has been slow to catch up this trend.
The education industry is one of the top five
industries for freelance workers owing to the high
level of specialisation and rise of online education.
Adjunct and part-time professors are contracted
employees as opposed to full time professors. Colleges
and universities are downsizing and matching
educationists to their academic needs by hiring
more visiting and part-time professors. It is very well
evident within the faculty list of IIMs, IITs, Delhi
University, Symbiosis, and many more. They make
an effi cient use of full time and part time educators.
Teachers are disseminating project-based work
using project-based learning strategies .They are
providing feedback at different stages of students
projects, instead of concluding grade at the end of
a program. There is an increase in the number and
frequency of internships, online and personalised
tutoring, certification programs, and prevalence
of MOOC courses for students. I think the greatest
advantage is that one can enjoy corporate exposure
and academic connect at the same time. Traditionally
a person had to choose either corporate or academics.
In this day and age, a sales manager can give sales
management classes for grads or post grads. It
has accelerated the number of options for retired
professionals, professors at remote locations and
women educators who quit the jobs for family
responsibilities.
Students are also exploring the huge benefi ts of
gig economy in their learning pattern .They can enrol
themselves in a course offered at a remote location and
can schedule their lectures, assignments and exams.
Of course digitalisation, distance education, online
learning modules and most importantly government
initiates like skill development programmes and,
vocational courses are have to stay. Students are
becoming more resourceful and dynamic.
Students get a can make a good deal from the new,
larger and virtual talent pool which is providing
limitless learning opportunities at any age and ability
.However there would be utmost need of continuous
cycles of learning and earning in contrast to learn,
Students are also exploring the
huge benefi ts of gig economy
in their learning pattern .They
can enrol themselves in a course
offered at a remote location and
can schedule their lectures,
assignments and exams.
earn and retire. Students could do without a degree
but it needs mastering a skill to be marketable. Many
schools/colleges have started additional courses
in emerging areas to assist students develop skills
necessary to form their own job opportunities.
There is an augmented need of technology driven
curriculum, classes (digital classes) and systems. It
has defi nitely amplifi ed the supply side of educators
as one can be employed in a larger number of
contracts/projects. It means lower cost, higher
revenues and profi ts for education institutions.
On the other hand, gig economy means low job
stability, less gov’t restrictions on employers, no
maternity benefi ts, no pension or gratuity, irregular
cash inflows; continuous learning is mandatory
for teachers and students .Gig in education means
automation i.e. fewer jobs in the future .One
hundred percent dependency on gig teachers could
be a disaster for any university or college. A mix of
adjunct and full time teachers and staff is a safer abd
better choice. Abundance of no degree or minimum
degree students would not be successful in the Indian
scenario. There must be academic degrees. This type
of arrangement is particularly successful in higher/
technical/professional education as compared to
school education.
Consequently there is a two way impact of gig on
education i.e. both positive and negative. Its bang is
visible in educators, education system as well as in
students. A right mix of gig and traditional economy
especially in education is requisite for a sustainable
education system. Gig Economy can compliment
traditional education system, but it would be
impossible to substitute or replace it as it is a
double edged sword for a country like India. P & M
Vol. 10 Issue 1 • JANUARY 2019, Noida |
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