Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining me today at DevSecOps 2025. It's an honor to present my talk on the intersection of pedagogy and technology today. So we are going to cover the careers in educational AI and digitalization. I'm Santosh Kumar Pulijala, a senior NET developer at HCL Global Systems. Today, I'm very excited to share how AI And digital tools are reshaping education and career opportunities that arise from this transformation. So let's look into what we are going to dive deep into this topic today. We are going to look into the introduction, which will cover the exploring of digital revolution in education. then we are going to look into the landscape, which covers the understanding how AI and digital tools are transforming education. Then we are going to look into key competencies. which covers skills needed for careers in edtech. Career pathways will cover opportunities that are available in educational technology and challenges, the key challenges and how we can address those barriers to success in edtech. future directions, which will cover the trends and innovations shaping the future. And we'll look into the professional development. Which helps us in building the skills and network in edtech impact and opportunities will cover How edtech transforms education globally call to action will have the steps to join and contribute to this digital revolution And we are going to conclude the topic in how this digitalization helps in shaping the future of education together. Now, let's look into the introduction of our today's topic. As we dive Into this session, let's take a moment to reflect on the unprecedented changes happening in education. The digital revolution is shaping classrooms, schools, and learning systems worldwide. AI driven adaptive platforms, virtual classrooms, and data analytics tools are no longer futuristic. They are here. They are revolutionizing how students learn, How teachers teach and how administrators manage education systems. This is not just about technology. It's about creating more personalized, efficient, and data driven approaches in education. But it's also about tackling challenges, ensuring equity for undeserved students, preparing teachers for these changes, and making these innovations sustainable. Why does this matter? Because education is the foundation of progress. By embracing these tools, we are not just creating smarter classes, but building a smarter society, empowering students with tools for lifelong success. And the best part? Each of you here has a role to play in this transformation. Let's explore how. So the landscape. Education today stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation and technology is leading the way. Let's talk about some of the digital tools driving this transformation. First, we have e learning platforms like Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard, which enables flexible and accessible online learning environments. Then there are student information systems, tools like PowerSchool and Infinite Campus that simplify attendance, grading, and data tracking. these are like the collaboration management systems, like Google Classroom, And Microsoft teams have become staples in fostering teamwork and resource sharing among educators and students. But the game changer is AI. We all know that AI is currently transforming the digitalization and it is also entering the digitalization of education as well. Adaptive learning systems now personalize content for each student's unique needs. Automated grading tools are reducing administrative burdens on teachers, giving them more time to focus on what they do best, which is teaching. Yet, as promising as these technologies are, their effectiveness depends on how well they are designed, implemented, and integrated into our educational systems. This is where your expertise in DevSecOps, AI, and innovation can make a profound impact. Let's look into the key competencies. To excel the educational technology space, professionals need a unique blend of technical expertise and pedagogical understanding. On the technical side, skills in programming languages like Python, Java, NET, and JavaScript are crucial for building sophisticated tools. Data science and machine learning open doors to analyzing educational trends, enabling predictive insights. Cloud computing platforms like AWS and Google Cloud are essential for scalable solutions and AI ML techniques like natural language processing, which is NLP and neural networks, power personalized and adaptive learning systems. But let's not forget the pedagogical side. That's the main thing, right? We are used to the pedagogical side of the education. So understanding learning theories like constructivism, or behaviorism is vital to ensure these tools actually enhance the learning experience. Curriculum design and assessment techniques tailored for digital platforms are key to creating effective systems. This combination of technical know how and pedagogical expertise will set you apart as you contribute to the future of educational technologies. Now, let's look into the career pathways. The intersection of education and technology offers a wide range of career opportunities. Let's explore these three key roles. Educational technologist. These professional bridge the gap between technology and pedagogy. They design digital learning materials, train educators and work directly with schools to integrate technology. Thank you. The salary for this role ranges from 50, 000 to over 100, 000 annually. AI and ML engineer. AI and machine learning engineers develop Algorithms for adaptive learning tools, chatbots, and automated grading systems. They play a vital role in creating intelligent, scalable solutions. This role typically offers salaries between 80, 000 and 150, 000 or even more than that. So next will be the data analysts. Data analysts turn raw educational data into actionable insights. They design dashboards that track trends like student performance or teacher effectiveness. The salary range for this role is like sixty thousand dollars to like more than hundred and twenty thousand dollars easily. The demand for these roles is only growing as schools and educational organizations recognize the value of technology driven solutions. Now let's look into the challenges. Like any transformation, the integration of AI and digital tools in education comes with its own set of challenges. Equity issues. Equity issues are among the most pressing. Many students around the globe lack reliable access to devices and the internet. Digital literacy is another barrier with varying levels of comfort and expertise among different populations. Next will be the Teacher training. Teacher training is equally critical. Technology is only as effective as people using it. Teachers must be empowered with skills and resources to seamlessly integrate these tools into their classrooms. Lastly, there's the question of sustainability. Ensuring that these Initiatives remain impactful over time and can be scaled to meet the diverse needs of the students across regions. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across disciplines, developers, educators, and policymakers working together to create equitable, scalable, and long lasting solutions. Now let's look into the future directions. The future of educational technology holds immense potential to revolutionize learning. AI is leading the charge in creating high personalized education. Adaptive learning tools powered by machine learning can adjust content delivery in real time to suit individual students needs, abilities, and learning speeds. This approach enhances engagement and retention making learning more effective and tailored. One major trend is the development of equitable technologies. For instance, offline capable solutions and low cost devices are being designed to bring quality education to underserved communities, bridging the digital divide. This focus on inclusion ensures that technological advances benefit all, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status. Frameworks like TPAC, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, are gaining traction to help educators seamlessly integrate technology into their teaching. These frameworks address the synergy between technology, pedagogy and subject matter, empowering teachers to innovate effectively. Long term studies are another critical aspect of the future. These studies aim to qualify how technology Impacts learning outcomes over time, providing insights into what works and what doesn't. Such data driven evaluations will help refine tools and strategies for maximum impact. The emphasis moving forward is on context sensitive solutions. No two regions or schools are the same, and innovations must cater to local needs, cultures, and resources. Expanding digital literacy programs and fostering international collaborations will also play a pivotal role in scaling these technologies and ensuring their global relevance. The future of education is undoubtedly exciting, but it's also a call for action for all of us to innovate responsibly and inclusively. Now let's look into the professional development. In the rapidly evolving world of educational technology, staying relevant requires a commitment to continuous learning and skill building. Professional development is not just a career enhancer. It's an essential pathway to contributing meaningfully in this field. The first step is embracing continuous learning. Online platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offers a wealth of courses in areas like AI machine learning and digital pedagogy. Specialized certifications such as Google Certified Educator and ISTE certification add credibility to your skills and help you stay competitive. These certifications are not only valuable credentials but also gateways to gain deeper insights into the practical application of technology and education. Equally important is building a strong professional network. Joining associations like ISTE, which is International Society for Technology and Education, or participating in edtech meetups that happens around fosters connections like minded people. Conferences and forums provide platforms to share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from leaders in the field. Engaging in collaborative projects with other professionals can also broaden your perspective and expose you to diverse approaches to solving problems. Collaborative learning opportunities, which is also, hackathons are invaluable for hands on experience. They provide a chance to tackle real world challenges, brainstorm innovative solutions, and work across disciplines. Cross institutional research institute initiatives are another excellent way to contribute to impactful projects while honoring Your skills. Ultimately, professional development is about blending technical knowledge, collaboration, and creativity to lead the way in transforming education on these technologies. Staying proactive ensures your career thrives in this dynamic field. Now let's look into the impact and opportunities. The impact of educational AI and digitalization is transformative, creative opportunities that ripple across all stakeholders in education, students, educators, administrators, and even global communities. For students, the introduction of AI driven tools offers personalized learning experiences, adaptive system tailored lessons, activities, and assessments to individual learning styles and places, ensuring that no student is left behind. Furthermore, inclusivity is amplified as digital tools provide solutions for learners with special needs, offering accessibility features like speech to text or audio to visual aids. Educators too benefit from this revolution. Automation tools such as grading system and administrative software significantly reduce routine tasks, freeing up valuable time for teachers to focus on engaging with students and refining their instructional strategies. These tools empower teachers to become facilitators of knowledge rather than just content deliveries. For administrators, the data driven insights provided by educational technology revolutionize decision making processes. Dashboards and analytics enable them to track trends, measure outcomes, and make informed policy decisions that improve institutional efficiency and student success rates. On a global scale, the opportunities are even more profound. Digital tools can bridge educational disparities by bringing quality learning resources to remote and underserved regions. With equitable tech solutions, we can ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to the education they really deserve. The innovations in this space are not just technical achievements. They are enablers of societal progress. By fostering collaboration, lifelong learning, and inclusivity, careers in educational technology have the power to shape a better, more equitable future for all. Now let's look into the call for action. As we wrap up, I urge you to take part in this transformation. I really urge you to take part of this transformation. Transformation. The edtech revolution needs your skills, your vision, and your commitment. Pursue continuous learning to stay ahead of emerging trends. Collaborate to create inclusive and effective learning environments. And most importantly, Let's work together to redefine education for future generations. now let me conclude the topic. As we reach the conclusion of this session, let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have explored. The integration of AI and digital tools in education is not just a trend. It's a paradigm shift. It's transforming how we teach, how we learn, and how we manage education systems. From personalized learning experiences for students to efficient data driven decision making for administrators. These innovations are reshaping the very fabric of education. But with great power comes very great responsibility. As professionals in this space, we must ensure these technologies are Inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, but with great power comes great responsibility. This field is filled with opportunities to innovate, inspire, and make a meaningful impact, whether you are designing adaptive algorithms, training educators, or analyzing data to improve outcomes. Your contributions have the potential to shape the future of education for generations to come. Together, let's build a future where education is accessible, adaptive, and impactful. A future where every learner has the tools and opportunities to thrive. So I really want to thank you for your time and attention today. If you have any questions or concerns, you LinkedIn at santoshkumarspacepulijala. Let's innovate, inspire, and transform education together.