Pune schools are introducing artificial intelligence (AI) education from primary grades, addressing the National Education Policy (NEP) emphasis on critical skills. Private and self-financed institutions lead this initiative, with a focus on coding, Python, and computational thinking. AI concepts are now part of the curriculum starting from grade 3, with teachers integrating AI tools into their classrooms, fostering future-ready learners.
In Pune, the landscape of education is transforming as artificial intelligence (AI) begins to weave itself into the fabric of school curriculums. With a vision for the future, both private and self-financed schools are pioneering AI education from primary grades, understanding its pivotal role in shaping students’ academic, social, and emotional journeys.
The National Education Policy (NEP) emphasizes cultivating critical skills at every educational level, introducing subjects like AI, design thinking, and global citizenship. Schools are responding by organically incorporating AI into their educational frameworks, aiming for a more holistic approach to learning.
Chandrakant Dalvi, the Chairman of the Management Council of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, notes the gradual introduction of AI across all educational levels, reinforcing the NEP’s vision for an education system that prepares students for future challenges.
Recognizing the importance of core subjects like mathematics and computational thinking, schools are mandated by the NEP to focus on coding from early grades onward. This includes fostering activities in Python and programming as the bedrock for careers in tech-driven fields like AI and data science.
Starting from grades 8 and 9, students are engaged in Python coding, with AI concepts now being introduced as early as grade 3. Structured AI lessons for seventh graders and active exploration of AI-powered tools for projects are becoming commonplace.
Pragati Joshi, a Senior Teacher at Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh School, observes that AI-enhanced school projects are increasingly favored by students, signaling a shift towards earlier AI education. Teachers are also embracing the technology to enrich learning experiences, with Avinash Patil, an Assistant Teacher at Bapusaheb D.D. Vispute School, sharing his journey of learning to integrate tools like Meta AI, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini AI into his teaching.
The introduction of AI education in schools marks a significant evolution in the academic landscape, preparing students for a tech-centric future. Through the NEP’s guidance, institutions are embedding critical skills like coding and computational thinking into curriculums from early grades, inspiring students to engage with AI concepts and tools actively. This initiative sets a foundation for future-ready learners, aligning educational practices with the demands of emerging industries.
Original Source: www.thebridgechronicle.com
