ODA Class is actively leveraging new-gen technologies like AR/VR, mixed reality, gamification and GenAI to align their content with the CBSE curriculum. In an exclusive conversation with CXO News and APAC News Network, Vedant Hamirwasia, Director, ODA Class tells the story nearly 50,000 students being enrolled in the program.
What was the story behind the genesis of the ODA Class?
ODA Class was incepted in 2019 by Liu Can and Vedant Hamirwasia with a clear mission of making high-quality education accessible and affordable to students across India. The idea was born out of an intention to bridge the educational gap by leveraging technology to provide live online classes that are both engaging and affordable.
ODA Class brings together exceptional top-tier educators, predominantly from prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs, who possess a profound conceptual understanding and adeptness in content delivery. The platform caters to students from grades 1 to 10, following the CBSE curriculum, and offers a unique dual-teacher system.
Under the dual-teacher approach, the ODA Class offers lectures by master teachers as well as continuous chat-based support from academic mentors. This combination of real-time interaction and round-the-clock personalized assistance ensures that each student’s learning needs are met, making education more effective and inclusive. ODA Class remains one of the most affordable online education platforms in the country, staying true to its founding principles of accessibility and quality.
How has ODA Class been funded till date and what are the future plans for funding?
Over the years, ODA Class has secured significant investments. In 2021, the company raised $9,000,000, followed by $3,000,000 in 2022 and $250,000 in 2023. In the latest Series B funding round, an additional $ 500,000 was raised. With this, the ODA Class has successfully raised $12,750,000 in total. It marks the company’s commitment to revolutionizing education through innovative technology.
To date, the Bangalore-based startup has been supported by prominent investors, including Skywalker Education Technology Co. Ltd. (Singapore), Daituzi Education Technology Corporation Limited, and Matrix Partners China. With significant funding, the company will leverage innovative technology to revolutionize education.
We are allocating a significant portion of our resources to digital advertising with the core focus of expanding our reach and enhancing brand visibility. Additionally, ODA Class aims to integrate AI technology into its app to personalize the learning experience. By expanding our product offerings, we intend to cater to a broader range of learners and deliver exceptional educational value.
What are the services and programs currently being offered by ODA Class?
There are primarily two courses. First is the short-term ‘Bridge Course’ that spans one week. The other one is the long-term ‘Master Program,’ which is a comprehensive one-year course that provides in-depth education. While the short-term course is ranges from INR 29 to INR 149 (Class 1-10), the long term program ranges from INR 15,999 (Class 1-3), INR 16,999 (Class 4-5) and INR 18,999 (Class 6-10).
What are the operational dynamics of the short-term course and the comprehensive one-year program, and how can students switch between the two?
Our educational courses are carefully planned to cater to different student needs, offering them flexibility and continuity in learning. The trial classes give students and parents an overview of the teaching methods and program effectiveness. During this six-period program, the focus is on teaching tricks and concepts of Maths and Science. We have designed this short-term course to build trust and showcase the value of our long-term program, helping parents and students make an informed decision before enrolling in the full course.
On the other hand, our full-year program is an extensive and structured course that spans the entire academic year. It covers the complete CBSE curriculum, including all subjects such as Maths, Science, English, Logical Reasoning, and Computer Science. It is a learning pathway for students seeking a thorough understanding of all subjects through detailed lessons, regular assessments, and consistent mentor support. Enrolled students will receive continuous guidance, including personalized one-on-one sessions when required. The program also includes regular updates and revisions to reinforce learning and prepare students for exams.
Most importantly, we offer a seamless transition from the short-term trial classes to the full-year program. We understand that students may want to experience our teaching style before committing to a long-term course, and our system is designed to facilitate this switch effortlessly.
What is the business model ODA Class follows? What is the fee structure in terms of students and schools?
We operate on a subscription-based model according to different grade levels. For students in Classes 1-3, the annual subscription fee is Rs 19,999. For those in Classes 4-5, the fee is Rs 21,999 per year, and for students in Classes 6-10, the fee is Rs 23,999 per year.
What is the total number of students and schools currently enrolled in the programs? What is the geographical spread?
We have enrolled 47,000 students from across India, following the CBSE curriculum, with significant representation from major states such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. We anticipate reaching 50,000 enrollments by the end of this month.
How is the ODA Class content synergized with the academic curriculum syllabuses?
At ODA Class, we have made it a priority to ensure that our content aligns seamlessly with the academic curriculum. Our team has meticulously designed the content to align with the CBSE syllabus in schools. We ensure we cover all the topics, concepts, and learning objectives that students are expected to learn at their grade level.
Also, our curriculum development and DTP team regularly reviews and updates our content to reflect changes in school syllabuses. It includes updates from national and state education boards to maintain relevance and accuracy. This ensures that our students are always learning the most up-to-date information.
Our teaching methodologies are not only designed to cover the syllabus but also to reinforce and deepen students’ understanding of the material. We employ engaging and effective techniques that help students grasp complex concepts and apply their knowledge. Additionally, our content includes supplementary material that goes beyond the textbook. It offers students a broader perspective on the subject matter and helps them excel in their academics.
Furthermore, we time our lessons and revisions to coincide with key academic milestones, such as midterms and final exams. This ensures that students are well-prepared for their school assessments. By synergizing our content with the academic curriculum, we ensure that our students not only keep pace with their school studies but also gain a deeper understanding that enhances their overall academic performance.
How are you leveraging technologies like AR/VR, mixed reality, gamification, GenAI to streamline the content?
We leverage new-age technologies to transform the way content is created and delivered. Primarily, we employ Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to develop immersive learning environments where students can interact with 3D models and simulations. It makes complex concepts more accessible and engaging.
Additionally, mixed reality further enhances this by blending digital content with the physical world. It enables experiences like virtual lab experiments or interactive history lessons, which make learning more interactive and impactful.
Interestingly, gamification and GenAI also play important roles in personalizing the learning experience. By incorporating game-like elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards, gamification boosts motivation and engagement, making learning fun as well as competitive. Meanwhile, GenAI helps create tailored quizzes, study guides, and simulations that adapt to individual learning styles and provide real-time feedback. Together, these technologies streamline content delivery, making education more efficient, personalized, and effective.
In terms of technology, what is going to be the future course of action where ODA Class intends to augment?
We are focusing on upgrading ODA Genie, our AI-powered product, to further enhance its capabilities. Currently, it provides valuable lessons on a range of topics. We intend to leverage AI to address specific student needs, like solving doubts and completing assignments in the coming months. All in all, we are continuously working to make learning experiences more personalized and effective for students.
Rajneesh De, APAC News Network
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