At BasicFirst, we strive to employ the latest governing technology to provide the students with the best. We use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, NLP, and Data Science, says Randhir Kumar, Founder and Chief Mentor, BasicFirst Learning OPC Pvt. Ltd, in an interview with CIO Axis.
1. What is BasicFirst?
BasicFirst is an aptitude based, personalized learning platform. We use cutting-edge technology, such as AI, ML, Data Science, and NLP (Natural Language Processing) to resolve queries of the student’s through with the help of professionals from IIT institutes. We have designed the training module intending to prepare students of classes VI to XII to tackle exams of various boards, including CBSE, ICSE, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Bihar and competitive exams such as NTSE, Olympiads, KVPY, SAT, AP, Pre-AP. The mode of resolution is through in-app chats, that is when a student is attending live sessions.
We are in the process of introducing newer products to the table soon and are amidst extensive research and planning before we go ahead with introducing more offerings to help the mass community of students at large.
2. What was the inspiration behind starting BasicFirst?
We were a group of six experienced teachers and professionals from some of India’s leading colleges. We had a vision, to address the need gap which most coaching centers, online portals do not that there was no one to address the different kinds of doubts students have at one single platform. They didn’t have the human capital to address those issues in the simplest manner. We wanted to help build a strong academic foundation for students and ensure that first and foremost there is a need to have one’s basics right and only then can a student achieve what he sets out to. After extensive research, the insight that stared us was how students were lacking a strong base or fundamentals across all subjects like Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Accountancy, due to which s/he couldn’t score well in their boards or competitive examinations. We wanted to promote a focused doubt clearing module where we would help the student enhance subject competency and knowledge, sharpen communication skills and aptitude with an objective to support them in their academic goals.
3. What kind of technology do you use for your platform?
At BasicFirst, we strive to employ the latest governing technology to provide the students with the best. We use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, NLP, and Data Science. Together AI and ML can collect, anticipate, analyze information, recognize patterns and congregate data by mapping online movement/ footprints from different sources to crack the best techniques of learning for students. When a student signs up on the BasicFirst app, AI lends support by monitoring and mapping the learning graph of a student or an individual. Once the data has been acquired on the individual, it is scrutinized, using advanced analytics forinsight generation (strengths and weaknesses) to develop tailored plans for an individual to ensure that the person gets the most out of his/her course online. So, whenever a student has a doubt, with the help of advanced analytics, AI can determine the level of understanding of the student/individual. It helps in assessing whether the analytical intelligence of the student/individual is on par with the level of the concept and whether s/he has a proper understanding of the subject. Even when a student or an individual chooses to opt-out of a course or arbitrarily drops out, Artificial Intelligence can determine the reason by determining how interested the individual was in the subject.
4. What is the future of Edutech industry in India?
Back when the Digital India campaign was launched by the Prime Minister, he had a vision. It was a vision of a Digital India, of a country digitally empowered in the field of technology. Since then every sector has seen rapid changes due to the advancements in technology.
Schools are using the same to upskill their teachers through digital on-the-job training sessions or through webinars. Many organizations are taking the greater step by inducting their employees into diploma courses. Self-paced e-learning is the new normal. In the earlier days, students needed to migrate from smaller cities, with or without financial support, to realize their dreams of being successful as most Universities are present in the metropolitan cities. With due credit to online learning platforms, students are signing up for undergrad, postgrad, diploma courses, and certificate programs online to continue their studies, or to add a competitive edge to their resume by upskilling, or to learn something as a hobby.
At this time of crisis, e-learning portals are seeing a massive surge in registrations and the belief that learning is confined to the 4 walls of a traditional classroom, has been shattered. It’s now become apparent that education permeates geographical proximities. Many state Governments are looking at tying up with e-learning portals to help teachers and students. The lockdown will serve as a time-trial for all e-learning ventures as they’re the only means of continuing the learning journey for all students. As India is still a growing country, there’s room for improvement, but as we improve our infrastructure to support digital growth in Tier 2 and 3 cities, the online e-learning industry too will grow.
5. During COVID-19 lockdown, many EdTech startups have launched free services where does BasicFirst belongs in this?
We understand that the coronavirus has dampened the aspirations of students across the country, many are wondering “what is the next step”, in this scenario we want to support the students in their efforts towards their academic goals. We are offering a 14-days free trial on all packages, be it bronze, silver or gold. Any student can take the 14-day trial to use the services of BasicFirst. Once the trial completes, students can have their doubts cleared for as low as 0.75 Rupees to 3 Rupees depending upon the complexity of the question. Moreover, we have introduced a “Refer & Earn” system wherein students can earn referral points by inviting their friends to try the BasicFirst App. These points can be redeemed for various options. Furthermore, there is an option for students to donate these earned points to noble causes through the App itself. BasicFirst will donate the respective amount to NGOs, which can be viewed from the donation activities in the application.
6. How you are planning to expand your startup globally?
Yes, we are, but first, we will be focusing on the India Market. We want to focus on the regional market first and slowly expand from there to Tier 2 and 3 cities to help those students that cannot afford tuition. After that, we would like to expand overseas in Dubai, Singapore, US, UK, Australia, and South Africa.