New Delhi, August 12: The National Child Development Council (NCDC) core committee held an important meeting this week to discuss integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. The session featured detailed conversations among committee members and experts, who explored the benefits, challenges, and broader impacts of AI in schools.
The meeting began with a presentation outlining the mixed effects of AI in education. The first speaker highlighted AI’s ability to improve learning efficiency, save time, and provide immediate access to information for students. “AI helps students get answers quickly, making education more accessible,” the speaker pointed out. However, they also warned against relying too much on AI, mentioning concerns about decreased human interaction, a possible decline in critical thinking, and high costs of implementation.
A senior NCDC committee member stressed the importance of AI literacy for students. He said, “Artificial Intelligence is essential for future generations. It should be part of the school curriculum from the primary level.” He called on the government to make AI a mandatory subject in schools to better equip students for a fast-changing, tech-driven world.
NCDC Master Trainer Baba Alexander provided a compelling historical perspective, comparing the AI era to previous technological revolutions such as the industrial, internet, and social media ages. He noted that India, with its large youth population, is at a critical point. “AI is an opportunity to bridge intelligence gaps and transform India into a developed nation,” he said. He added that AI could help level the playing field for students with lower IQs or learning difficulties by enhancing their cognitive abilities.
However, educators like Ms. Shakti Lama expressed concerns about potential job losses, especially in the IT sector, and the risk of decreased creativity in children. Citing recent mass layoffs tied to AI, she said, “Even schoolchildren rely heavily on tools like ChatGPT, which could impact their ability to think independently and solve problems creatively.”
Another member pointed out the emotional and psychological effects of less face-to-face interaction between teachers and students. “Human touch and teacher-student relationships are crucial for emotional well-being,” she said. “AI can’t replace the confidence and motivation that a child gets from real human engagement.”
The session wrapped up with a shared belief that while AI could revolutionize education, integration must be approached carefully, focusing on balance. Teachers’ roles may shift from traditional instruction to mentorship, prioritizing creativity, ethics, and emotional intelligence.
In summary, the NCDC committee viewed AI as a powerful force with great potential. However, they emphasized the need for careful implementation to enhance, rather than replace, human intelligence and interaction.
The National Child Development Council (NCDC) is a self-governing national organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights and ensuring quality education for children across India.
