We Indians are a bunch of dreamy individuals. We dream of flying cars, a colony of Indians on Mars (because Canada looks difficult and the USA has more Indians than what India has) and a world-class education system. The last one, it seems, is particularly close to our hearts, especially with the much-hyped New Education Policy (NEP) which is already getting ‘Old’ with the advent of AI in education. While we are busy drafting grand visions for the future, we seem to have forgotten a little detail: the present.
Enter the magnificent world of Generative AI. This magical technology can do everything. Yet, when it comes to our classrooms, this futuristic marvel is treated like a distant, elusive dream.
On one hand, we have the NEP document which is filled with lofty-ambitions of transforming India into a global knowledge superpower. On the other hand, we have the reality of our schools, where teachers are often overworked, underpaid and drowning in a sea of outdated study material. It is like trying to build a spaceship with a hammer and chisel. Sure, it is theoretically possible, but it is going to take longer and the results might not be as impressive.
Some top-boss of a foreign company comes to India and talks about how India can export AI-based products (we have already exported individuals in the last 5 decades and now they want AI-based products too), but the fact is, are we in a position to export it?
Many educators are wary of technology, fearing that it will replace them. Others are simply overwhelmed by the sheer amount of change that’s happening. Many others still do not have access to basic technology.
But the real question is can we ignore AI any longer? Yes, if you can avoid eating sweets during festive time. No, for others.
Imagine a classroom where AI-powered tutors can provide personalised learning experiences to each student. Imagine a world where AI can help teachers automate mundane tasks (no, work of election duty by teachers cannot be automated) freeing them up to focus on what they do best: inspiring young minds.
This dream can become a reality only if we embrace the future, rather than fear the future. So let’s stop dreaming and start doing. After all, the future of education is not just about NEP, it’s about the next generation of learners.
(The writer is the Assistant Professor of Finance at SVKM’s NarseeMonjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed-to-be University Gen AI Trainer for Teachers)
