Navigating AI’s Impact On Education

At the BW Top Education Brands Summit & Awards, a distinguished panel of experts discussed the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. The session featured Prakash Sahoo, Associate Director - Academics and Senior Principal, SAI International School, New Delhi; Dr Pascal Chazot, Honorary Head of School, Mahatma Gandhi International School; Raj Singhal, Co Founder & CEO, Footprints Childcare; and Rupa Chakravarty, Director, Suncity Schools. The discussion was moderated by Ruhail Amin, Senior Editor, BW Businessworld & Exchange 4media.

Balancing AI with traditional teaching

Chakravarty opened the discussion by addressing the challenge of integrating AI with traditional teaching methods. She emphasised the need for a balanced approach, quoting Bertrand Russell: “The middle path is often best.” Chakravarty highlighted that students are advancing rapidly in their use of AI, making it crucial for schools to harness these tools effectively. She underscored the readiness of students to utilise AI, reflecting on William Wordsworth's observation: “The child is the father of man.”

Teachers adapting to AI

Sahoo shared insights on how AI is transforming the role of teachers. He noted that educators are now part of the same learning journey as their students. “Teachers are increasingly seeking help from students, who are becoming mentors,” Sahoo explained. He stressed the importance of both students and teachers engaging in continuous learning together to ensure alignment and effectiveness in the classroom.

Understanding AI’s role

Dr Chazot provided a deeper understanding of AI’s role in education. He cautioned against viewing AI merely as a super-fast language model, describing it instead as a tool rooted in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. “The brain isn't like a computer; rather, computers are modeled after the brain,” Chazot said. He emphasised that while AI enhances our capabilities, it is crucial to integrate AI’s strengths while focusing on nurturing critical thinking and creativity in students. “AI and tools like ChatGPT are extensions of our abilities,” he added, highlighting the immense potential for progress while acknowledging the limitations of AI.

Practical applications of AI

Singhal discussed the practical applications of AI in his institutions. At his preschool, AI is used to monitor cleaning activities through CCTV feeds, ensuring hygiene standards with 98 per cent accuracy. “We analyse feeds to ensure they match our hygiene SOPs,” Singhal explained. In his formal school, he noted that while adoption has been challenging due to resistance from educators, they have had success with AI-powered lesson plans. These plans transform complex

concepts like the Pythagorean theorem into engaging games. Singhal also mentioned the use of CK-12.org, a tool generating extensive practice materials to support students struggling with subjects.

The balance between AI and human elements

The discussion also touched on the need for training and the balance between AI and traditional teaching. Sahoo questioned whether current discussions about AI are relevant or future-focussed. Chakravarty responded by asserting that AI should enable rather than dominate. “AI should handle mundane tasks, freeing us to focus on critical and creative thinking,” she said. She highlighted instances of students using AI creatively, such as a child using DALL-E to create text-to-image software and another having an app accepted by NASA.

On AI’s limitations and human creativity

Pascal emphasised that AI lacks the human elements of imagination, ethics and consciousness. “AI operates on a binary system, unlike the brain's analog processes,” he explained. He urged the need to balance AI’s strengths with the nurturing of critical thinking and creativity in education. Singhal expressed concerns about overdependence on technology and the potential impact on curiosity. He highlighted the need to maintain a balance between AI usage and fostering creativity and curiosity in students.

The panel concluded with a consensus on the role of AI in education. While AI is a powerful tool that can enhance learning, it cannot replace the human elements essential to effective education. The experts agreed that AI should be viewed as an aid in the educational journey, complementing human creativity and critical thinking rather than replacing them.

Arya Rakshita

BW Reporters Trainee Correspondent