From Textbooks to Tech: Indian Schools Embracing AI in Education

In an age where adaptability is the need of the times, learning about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at school is no longer a choice — it's a requirement. In schools that are dedicated to the spirit of tradition and innovation alike, AI is not a course; instead, it is the door to the future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are no longer far-off ideas of technology. Now they are transforming the way we live, work, and learn as well. Realizing the potential, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had recently stated that it is essential that we introduce these new technologies into our classrooms, so that the students are future-ready.

In 2022, UNESCO itself had come out with a report on how AI might transform the Indian classrooms. Entitled 'State of the Education Report (SOER) for India: Artificial Intelligence in Education – Here, There and Everywhere', the report asserted that to responsibly incorporate Artificial Intelligence in education, it is essential to place ethics at the forefront, create a well-balanced regulatory system, and build robust public-private partnerships.

In answer to this call, schools throughout the nation are rising to the challenge.

"Embracing AI and ML has revolutionized our students' learning in a big way. They make learning personalized, improve critical thinking, and prepare one with skills for the future," said Ajay Singh, Principal, The Scindia School to Times Now Digital. According to him, now students are working on real projects, i.e., drone projects, where they implement concepts of AI practically with innovation and leadership.

While schools are now adopting AI as a curriculum component, the experts opine that AI must be introduced from the early days. "It demystifies technology and triggers curiosity, analytical and problem-solving ability at an early age. Our learning content should respond to the skills that the future requires," opined Pallavi Upadhyaya, Principal, DPS Raj Nagar Extension.

With the world changing so quickly and corporations looking to hire AI-conscious talent, Indian educational institutions realize that it is not just the right time to adopt AI in school education, but it is also a must.

Yet, there are precautions taken by teachers so that the right age-relevant AI content can prepare students for a future where automation, data science, and smart systems will touch every vocation.

AI: A Tool for All Learners, Not Just High Achievers

Unfortunately, some schools are limiting education in AI to those students who scored more than 80 per cent, and others are against it. Times Now Digital discovered that most schools prefer differentiated learning plans where students learn AI depending on the mode of learning and interests instead of strict performance levels. "Denying education in AI to high scorers goes against the very purpose of education," DPS principal Pallavi stated.

AI will be able to boost learning outcomes by engaging a multifaceted group of learners in innovative and analytical manners, most practitioners are convinced. "Artificial intelligence is not something that only high achievers get to experience—it's a basic tool that all students should have access to," Singh commented. "Limiting access may snuff out curiosity and discourage students who possess potential but have yet to achieve it academically."

Preparing Educators for AI Era

Teacher training with AI competence is the start of student training with AI competence. Against this background, schools are also investing in training their faculties so that they can teach AI education more effectively. In December 2024, the Delhi Government planned to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) Labs in some schools. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is also reported to create Artificial Intelligence-based courses.

Private schools are also stepping forward. Mukta Rana, a Sanskrit teacher at Mayur School was more than happy to brief us about how the teachers and students are adopting AI and technology for studies. "Earlier we would go to Computer or Science labs weekly, now each class has its own lab and we teachers also pay special attention to the practical side. Trust me, class 6 kids are constructing robots." We were all surprised to witness this sort of talent at such a young age," she added.

The teachers of DPS have conducted workshops and certifications in CBSE, IBM, Intel, and other forums. The teachers are also regularly updated with the current developments through in-house sessions as well as from the IT industry experts.

Scindia School also gives extremely high importance to teacher training. "Our teachers are trained to explain complex AI concepts in simple, age-appropriate language. We invest in ongoing upskilling to ensure our teaching meets international standards" said Singh.

Anju Soni, Shiv Nadar School, Noida Principal testified, "We have to integrate AI into textbooks because it gives immediate feedback and course correction to students, thus making a closed loop of feedback that accelerates learning. Our teachers intentionally leverage AI tools like Diffit and Khanmigo to improve teaching and learning. Some of the tasks are specifically designed to enable students to use AI as a tool for exploring critical and creative thinking, enabling innovation along with acquiring key 21st-century skills."

AI in Education: Opportunities and Challenges

Education with the integration of AI brings interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and worldwide employability within its reach. That being said, it does have challenges too. Schools would have to upgrade infrastructure, reform curriculum as well as train teachers in order to keep up with fast-changing technologies.

Arav, a class 5 student of a Patna private school said that his school lacks proper infrastructure."We are given just 1 Computer class a week and there too instructors get occupied in explaining bits of the computer and tell us to draw on MS Paint. My Computer textbook chapter has MS Logo and lots of other things, but we are only asked to keep discipline and draw on MS Paint every week."

Personally, however, he is using AI for assistance and information. "I feel that AI is better than Wikipedia, at least I get to know if the source is original or not. I do use AI to assist me in writing essays and slogans."

Another Delhi class 12 student, Yash, provided a differing viewpoint. He emphasized how the technology integrated has occurred in his school life and his life at home as well."I do assignments and projects at school using AI tools, and even study things that I am passionate about, such as coding and graphic design. We use it at school in computer class and even for science experiments. At home, I will have AI recommend things to me, It's like having a genius assistant on hand."

Parents also need to be trained for this shift of technology. Parent orientation has the potential to acclimatize parents to AI in ways that go beyond its uses to screens and games. Parents should be taught how it will best equip their children to navigate a world with future complexities. The challenge will be to provide equal access to learning about AI and balancing technological advancement with core human values.

In most schools, such a balance is in the pipeline already. AI is not a human teacher substitute but a useful tool to assist with individualized learning, with creativity, and in support of their tradition of wholeness in excellence.