The education system and the age-old school curriculum have been criticized for a long time now. To address these criticisms, India has taken a significant step towards a future-ready education by introducing Robotics and AI into the curriculum.
Today, when technology has become a way of life, this move aims to equip the coming generation with the necessary tools to thrive in this digital world and be equally competitive in this tech-savvy market on a global stage.
When the same base academic curriculum has been followed decade by decade, what led India to introduce robotics and AI with such determination? The answer is the rapidly transforming industries across the world. A publication by the World Economic Forum suggested that by 2025, about 85 million jobs could be displaced by machines and automation, with 97 million new roles emerging that would require the skill set of AI.
Such conditions call for schools to include not only the theoretical part of technology but also to learn problem-solving skills and develop critical thinking, which is essential for future jobs.
Once an addition is made to the curriculum, a major question that arises is what scope robotics and AI education hold. The curriculum is designed to be practical, interactive, and student-friendly, starting with basic coding and moving on to complex concepts like machine learning.
The primary levels are focused on the base. In contrast, higher levels concentrate on data science, ML, and robotics, focusing on final-year students working on real-world projects and developing their robots or AI-driven applications.
This is great, as a survey in 2021 suggested that about 67% of educators worldwide believe that hands-on learning helps students retain information better and fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
While the scope is quite clear, most Indian schools believe in the early implementation of pilot programs for AI and robotics education. For example, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced AI as a subject in 2020 for students in classes IX to XII.
Moreover, schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas have been early adopters of this initiative, providing students with access to cutting-edge technology and training.
This integration of AI and robotics goes beyond classrooms and has successfully collaborated with EdTech and industries for real-life implementation. For example, Indian ed-tech companies, like WhiteHat Jr. and Tinker Coders, offer online coding classes that introduce students to the basics of robotics and AI, making it easy to get started with technology from the comfort of their homes.
In conclusion, India's decision to iterate robotics and AI in school education marks a significant milestone in the country's academic journey. However, such integration has its own limitations alongside its advantages. As the curriculum expands and more schools embrace this shift, the future of education in India looks promising, filled with exciting opportunities for students to explore, create, and lead in the digital world.