Published Paper Details:

The evolution of education from ancient learning hubs, such as the monastic university of Nalanda, to the digitally connected and globalized educational environment of the twenty-first century is examined in this article. This paper demonstrates a recurrent conflict between the forces of scalability, accessibility, and technology and localized, immersive, and residential models of knowledge transmission. The democratization of knowledge made possible by the printing press and the recent paradigm shift toward individualized, on-demand learning made possible by digital technologies are just two examples of the fundamental changes in pedagogy, curriculum, and the very goal of education that are revealed by a comparative analysis. The fundamental human and social purposes of education promoting critical thinking, advancing human development, and acting as a vehicle for social progress remain unaltered in spite of these changes. The article concludes by discussing the challenges and ethical considerations posed by digital education and outlining potential pathways for the future of learning, emphasizing the need for equity, engagement, and intentional design.