The Learning Trap Book Review: How Byju's Became India's Biggest Edtech Scam

The Learning Trap Book Review

Name: The Learning Trap: How Byju’s Took Indian Edtech For A Ride

Launch: 19 December 2023

Author: Pradip. K. Saha

Genre: Business, Non-Fiction

Rating: ★★★★

Buying Link: Amazon

The Learning Trap: How Byju’s Took Indian Edtech For A Ride by Pradip. K. Saha is a nonfiction book that exposes the dark side of Byju's, the Indian edutech startup that claimed to be the world's most valuable learning app. The book is based on the author's investigative journalism and extensive research, and it reveals the truth behind Byju's meteoric rise and fall, its unethical and illegal practices, its toxic and exploitative work culture, and its devastating impact on the education system and society. The book is not only a shocking and eye-opening account of a massive fraud and scandal, but also a critical and timely analysis of the challenges and risks of the edutech industry in India and beyond.

The main point or argument of this review is that The Learning Trap is a well-written, well-documented, and well-argued book that offers a rare and courageous expose of Byju's and its founder, as well as a valuable and insightful perspective on the role and responsibility of edutech in shaping the future of learning.

One of the strengths of the book is the author's ability to provide a comprehensive and credible account of Byju's history, operations, and strategies, using various sources of evidence, such as interviews, documents, data, and testimonials. The author does not rely on hearsay or rumors, but verifies and cross-checks the facts and figures, and presents them in a clear and coherent manner. The author also does not shy away from naming and shaming the people and entities involved in Byju's scam, such as the founder Byju Raveendran, the investors, the regulators, the media, and the celebrities. The author exposes how Byju's manipulated and deceived its stakeholders, such as its customers, employees, partners, and competitors, and how it violated the laws and norms of the industry and society.

Another strength of the book is the author's ability to provide a balanced and nuanced view of Byju's and its impact, without being biased or sensationalist. The author acknowledges and appreciates the positive aspects and achievements of Byju's, such as its innovation, growth, and popularity, and its contribution to the edutech sector and the digital economy. The author also recognizes and respects the aspirations and expectations of Byju's users, especially the students and parents, who sought quality and affordable education through Byju's app and courses. The author does not blame or judge them for falling into Byju's trap, but empathizes and supports them in their quest for learning and empowerment.

One of the weaknesses of the book is the author's tendency to repeat and restate some of the points and arguments in different parts of the book, which can sometimes create a sense of redundancy or monotony in the reader. For example, the author mentions and criticizes Byju's aggressive and unethical sales tactics, such as the fear of missing out (FOMO), the false promises, the hidden charges, and the harassment, in several chapters and sections, without adding much new or relevant information or analysis. This can make the reader feel bored or irritated, or even lose interest in the book.

In conclusion, The Learning Trap: How Byju’s Took Indian Edtech For A Ride by Pradik. K. Saha is a remarkable and revealing book that tells the true and tragic story of Byju's, the Indian edutech startup that became a scam and a sham. The book is well-written, well-documented, and well-argued, and it offers a rare and courageous expose of Byju's and its founder, as well as a valuable and insightful perspective on the role and responsibility of edutech in shaping the future of learning. The book has some minor flaws, such as the author's repetition and restatement of some of the points and arguments in different parts of the book, but they do not detract from the overall quality and importance of the book. The book is suitable for anyone who is interested in edutech, education, business, or society, and who enjoys a good story with facts, figures, and drama. The book also raises some vital and relevant questions for further discussion, such as:

• How can edutech be regulated and monitored to ensure its quality, legality, and ethics?
• How can edutech be designed and delivered to enhance and enrich the learning experience and outcomes, rather than to exploit and manipulate the learners and educators?
• How can edutech be integrated and aligned with the existing and emerging education systems and policies, rather than to disrupt and undermine them?
• How can edutech be used and accessed to promote and foster equity, diversity, and inclusion, rather than to create and widen the gaps and divides?
• How can edutech be evaluated and assessed to measure and improve its impact and value, rather than to inflate and exaggerate its hype and hype?

The book deserves a high rating of 4 out of 5 stars, and it is highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a fascinating and enlightening read.