Taking a step ahead in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in the teaching field, now CBSE schools want AI models to be implemented in imparting regular teaching as well. A private school in Bengaluru is in the process of having AI being used to teach students as young as in Class 6.

Manila Carvalho, Principal, DPS Bangalore East, says, “Introducing AI in schools is in-line with part of the National Education Policy (NEP). Intel, with CBSE, has come up with an integrated manual to have an AI model in regular teaching too.”  

The manual is a workbook and module for teachers on integrating AI in regular teaching; it says that it is a multi-disciplinary integrated pedagogical approach to enhance teaching further and learning across classes 6 to 10.

CBSE’s Initiative

It is a Herculean task for CBSE to make school students ‘AI Aware’ or forging ‘AI Readiness’, and CBSE has taken a ‘twin initiative’. First, AI will be introduced as an elective subject in classes 8, 9 and 10; a facilitator’s handbook has also been produced for Classes 8 and 9.

Secondly, it deals with the premise that AI is a Cognitive Science, which can be linked to various subjects that concern cognition and reasoning. All subjects, including Mathematics, Computing, Neuro-Sciences, Psychology, Physics, Economics, Sociology, Philosophy, and Languages, would come under this domain. CBSE has mandated that all schools will begin to integrate AI with other disciplines from Classes 1 to 12.

AI Integrated Education

There are three ways to integrate subjects with AI; in the first method, the teacher may select a topic from the subject that easily lends itself to any one of the AI concepts. The teacher would either select the AI concept as a tool to teach the subject or use the understanding of the topic where the teacher may be able to show a linkage to AI knowledge and usage.

For instance, ‘Data collection’ is a familiar task in Mathematics and ‘Data Acquisition’ is an important basic AI concept. The teacher may use an AI-based app to demonstrate data collection in a Mathematics class or teach the concept and functionality of the AI application through their understanding of the data collection operations in Mathematics. 

Secondly, the teacher may consider a subject plus AI integration, which is simpler and has a more functional approach.

The third approach could be to have interdisciplinary integration. The teacher may pick up one such topic from their own subject that also relates to other subjects. Then, in consultation with other teachers, the four of them could explore the same topic to achieve the learning outcomes of their respective subjects while at the same time integrating each subject with AI.

The former approach is feasible in normal classroom teaching; the latter would have to take the shape of a project and be conducted in large class groups over some time.

Interdisciplinary integration with Artificial Intelligence for Class 9

‘Effective Pedagogy’ in the Classroom

Since all cognitive domains of education relate very closely to the concept of AI, it offers ample opportunities for the student to engage themselves, which otherwise cannot be found in lecturing out of the textbooks within the fixed four walls setting of the classroom. In an era termed as AI SPRING, AI and machine learning are growing dynamically; they each can propel the other forward and synergistically accelerate the learning frontiers, along with the creation of newer innovative technologies. It is universally acknowledged that AI would be the source and the cause of improving the teaching and learning methodology in the classroom.

In many parts of the world, especially in advanced nations, machine learning algorithms in the educational space have already begun helping teachers fill the gaps in the subjects students struggle with the most. As of today, the list of such AI-based pedagogical practices is long. A motivated and enlightened teacher would come across many such tools and practices during their research which they can profitably use from time to time in the interest of their students.

Explaining the present status of the integration manual, Mehreen Mustaq Shamim, the AI teacher from DPS East, said, “At the moment, the teachers are undergoing training of the ‘Integration manual’; we intend to incorporate AI in normal teaching class in the next academic year,” she added.

AI was introduced to Classes 9 to 12 in 2019, with Intel and IBM creating the module. Until now, as many as 15 artificial intelligence (AI) projects have been done by school students in topics such as AI Autism assistant, cyber detective, HR assistant, AI Medic, AI Reading assistant and AI Digi Chute.