Pune: With rapid advancements in technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is now making its way into school education, shaping the academic, emotional, and social experiences of students. Recognizing its significance in the future of education and employment, schools are preparing to introduce AI education from primary grades onwards, with private and self-financed schools taking the lead in the initiative.
The National Education Policy (NEP) stresses the development of critical skills among students at all levels by introducing subjects like AI, design thinking, holistic health, environmental awareness, and global citizenship education. In response, schools have started integrating AI into their academic frameworks.
According to Chandrakant Dalvi, Chairman of the Management Council of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, AI education is being gradually introduced from primary school to undergraduate levels, aligning with the NEP's vision of future-ready education.
Focus on Python, Coding, and Computational Thinking
Mathematics and computational thinking are considered essential for emerging industries and careers such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. The NEP mandates that schools emphasize these areas by:
Introducing coding-related activities from the pre-secondary level.
Teaching Python, coding, and programming as core subjects.
AI Curriculum Expansion in Schools
Students in grades 8 and 9 are already learning Python and coding.
AI concepts will now be introduced to students from grade 3 onwards.
Grade 7 students will receive structured AI lessons.
Students are actively exploring AI-powered tools for school projects.
Pragati Joshi, Senior Teacher at Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh School, highlighted that AI-based school projects are gaining popularity among students, and AI education is now reaching younger grades.
Teachers are also adapting to AI technology to enhance classroom learning. Avinash Patil, Assistant Teacher at Bapusaheb D.D. Vispute School, shared that he has personally learned how to integrate AI into education and is introducing students to tools like Meta AI, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini AI.