India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a revolutionary change in the Indian education system. It has created a transformative turn in educational policy. The drafted policies are the framework for futuristic education in India. Broadly speaking, it is a massive effort to revamp the existing education system in India.
The entire world is in the threshold of a socio-technological change. In order to match with the foreseen change, the education policy has drafted a number applications of flexibility, creativity, solutions and inclusiveness from elementary school to higher education. AI in education requires careful planning, infrastructure development, and continuous monitoring to ensure that it aligns with the goals and principles outlined in the National Education Policy. The role of AI in education is dynamic, and its integration may evolve over time as technology advances and the educational needs change respectively.
The NEP 2020 in India sketches an inclusive vision for transforming the educational landscape with holistic approach. Integrating AI tools into education is one of the new education reforms. This tool prepares students for their skill development and modern employment market. The concept of AI is a transformative force in education. Its sole aim is the overall improvement of the education system which is the cornerstone of the NEP.
The NEP 2020 has taken very serious note of the role of technology in the field of education and its applications such as e-learning, online resources and the use of digital tools. Moreover, the first education policy of the 21st century recognizes the wider role of AI. One of the objectives of the NEP is to enhance the learning experience by integrating technology and AI.
The NEP mentions the use of technology along with digital platforms for teaching and learning. Accordingly, artificial intelligence is expected to emerge as a powerful tool in developing a tailored learning system with the individual needs of the students. AI can personalize learning experiences, catering to students’ needs and capabilities. Through adaptive learning platforms, AI can analyse students' progress, identify areas of strength and weakness, and offer tailored educational content. The approach aligns with the NEP's emphasis on ensuring that every student receives an education that is suitable for their unique learning style.
Both the professional development of teachers and multi-discipline education are an integral part of the NEP. The role of AI in facilitating education is very important while providing a holistic knowledge of insights and content from different fields. It is believed that the application of AI like DreamBox, IBM Watson Education and Knewton will help in enhancing the educational skills of teachers as well as developing learning resources. Furthermore, AI-powered tools can enhance teacher professional development. Virtual assistants and AI-driven platforms can offer insights into teaching methodologies, recommend improvements, and provide resources to keep educators updated on the latest pedagogical practices.
Data analysis is very much needed to improve education. AI like CenturyTech and EduDataMinds can help in analysing a large amount of educational data in many areas. It is hoped that such a meaningful collaboration will be made in education-related tasks such as AI, proper methods of teaching, curriculum design and overall educational strategy. AI also facilitates the creation of immersive learning experiences through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These technologies can bring abstract concepts to life, making learning more engaging and practical. Such immersive experiences align with the NEP's vision of promoting experiential learning and a holistic approach to education.
Many educational institutions are now using artificial intelligence technologies like ProctorUand Honorlock in exams. Measures such as face recognition, usage analysis and theft detection are absolutely necessary to maintain a safe testing environment in educational institutions. This will help in increasing the examination integrity. There is a need for secrecy and fairness in the exam. Maintaining its balance in sanctity can be an important task for AI. So, it needs a keen observation while applying AI to examination.
Additionally, AI can assist in the assessment process by providing more efficient and unbiased evaluations.
Automated grading systems can handle large-scale assessments, freeing up educators to focus on more interactive and personalized aspects of teaching. This aligns with the NEP's goal of reducing the emphasis on rote memorization and fostering critical thinking skills.
The administrative functioning of educational institutions can be automated through AI so that teachers can focus more on teaching. Administrative tasks such as grading, scheduling and routine can be done very easily. Gradespace is a popular AI. It is very popular with teachers and students for grading and exams.
AI-powered Chatbots, and Virtual Assistants are providing continuous support to students in the learning process. Many students have even practiced it. Even AI-administered language learning and translation tools are helping a lot in breaking down barriers to language learning. This is a boon for the application of regional languages in technical education along with addressing the linguistic diversity in India's education system.
AI can contribute to bridging educational gaps by providing accessible and inclusive learning solutions. Language translation services, voice recognition tools, and other AI applications can assist students with diverse needs, ensuring that education is inclusive and reaches all segments of society, as envisioned by the NEP. The NEP encourages research and innovation. AI can contribute to advancements in educational research, including studying learning patterns, educational psychology, and the impact of technology on education.
AI in the NEP-2020 reflects a paradigm move towards adaptive technology to create a more inclusive, skill-oriented, and efficient education system in India. As the execution of AI in education continues to evolve, it has all thepotential to significantly contribute to achieving the objectives set by the NEP and most importantly it will prepare the major stakeholders in education system for a better future.
(Dr Parida is an Assistant Professor in Sociology)
