Towards AI-Augmented Learning

With advantages including safer campuses, an unbiased grading system and hassle-free administration, Artificial Intelligence is the need of the hour for imparting quality education

- Madhuvanti S. Krishnan

Imagine walking into a classroom, only to find that your ‘teacher’ is a bot — one who does not penalize you for your occasional tardiness, and instead continues to impart the lessons of the day. The chalk-and-blackboard method of teaching seems a fuzzy memory, and preparing for your board exams, mentored by your teacher bots, have become a routine. This vision of the future is not implausible, especially in the era of smart education, where artificial intelligence (AI) has gained prominence.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently introduced AI in its school curriculum, in collaboration with Microsoft, to build capacity building programs for high school teachers, and to integrate cloud-powered technology in teaching. However, according to Rohini Srivathsa, National Technology Officer, Microsoft India, and Larry Nelson, Regional general manager, Education, Microsoft Asia, Indian schools have a long way to go in utilizing AI to improve the quality of education.