By Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit
NEP 2020 views AI as a powerful tool to address various challenges and achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), including promoting women’s higher
National Education Policy 2020 has envisioned a holistic, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary lifelong education. Change and continuity have been a major thrust and the introduction of scientific temper with the implementation of latest technological tools for teaching and research is very important. One such tool is Artificial Intelligence, which brings in new opportunities as well as challenges.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the talk of the town in nearly every discussion in almost every domain. While the transformative potential of AI has been recognised for some time, its widespread applications (like ChatGPT or BingChat) and evident benefits have now made it a powerful and disruptive force across various industries. Regardless of the industry, AI is becoming essential in shaping the future. Higher education is one sector that stands to gain the most from AI’s revolutionary potential. Integrating AI in higher education presents many opportunities to revolutionize the learning experience, advance research, and innovation, and address longstanding challenges in the educational landscape.
However, this journey is not without its complexities, and it demands a thoughtful and responsible approach to unlock the full potential of AI while navigating the embedded challenges.
The impact of AI in higher education is multifaceted and far-reaching. As an adaptive learning tool, AI has the potential to personalize education, accommodating the diverse needs and learning styles of students. In a classroom setting, where students struggle to obtain the individual attention of the teachers given the low student-teacher ratios, AI-driven systems can provide personalized instruction, identify strengths and weaknesses and offer targeted support for better learning outcomes. This customized approach empowers students to progress at their own pace, fostering a deeper understanding and engagement with the subject matter.
Moreover, the significance of AI in promoting women’s higher education cannot be understated. Historically, cultural barriers, gender norms, and limited access to educational opportunities have impeded women’s access to higher education. However, AI-driven language learning tools can break down language barriers and empower women to pursue higher education, irrespective of their linguistic backgrounds. By offering personalized and adaptive learning experiences, AI can support women in acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to advance their careers and achieve their academic aspirations. This would prove helpful for regions with limited access to educational infrastructure. AI-driven tools can bridge the digital divide, offering equitable access to quality education.
The power of AI in research and innovation within higher education is equally profound. Gathering and analysing vast amounts of data enable researchers to make evidence-based decisions, facilitating breakthroughs across various disciplines. AI-driven tools can analyse complex datasets, identify patterns, and offer insights humans may not easily discern. This data-driven approach fosters a deeper understanding of regional challenges and opportunities, promoting informed decision-making and societal advancement.
Besides the educational benefits, AI-driven tools have much to offer regarding administration and bureaucracy associated with higher education. Administrative tasks, such as attendance tracking and record-keeping, can be automated using biometric authentication and AI powered systems. This reduces administrative burden and promotes transparency and accountability within the educational ecosystem. Institutions can focus more on core educational goals and provide quality learning experiences without exhausting resources and energy in repetitive tasks. Moreover, the documentation required for admissions or transfers could be significantly simplified, alleviating the current burden of complexity associated with these procedures.
Yet, the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education presents several challenges. Ethical concerns and data privacy issues arise from collecting and processing vast amounts of student data. Establishing robust data protection and privacy policies to safeguard sensitive information and ensure transparent communication with students regarding data usage is imperative. Ethical guidelines must be in place to prevent the misuse of AI-derived insights and data for commercial or discriminatory purposes.
Another challenge lies in AI’s implementation, particularly in regions with limited access to educational infrastructure. Bridging the digital divide demands investment in resources, reliable internet connectivity, and access to digital devices to ensure equitable access to AI-driven educational tools. Comprehensive teacher training programs are essential to equip educators with the necessary skills to maximize AI’s potential effectively. Before bringing AI to students, the faculties and the pedagogy need to be updated with the transformative nature of AI. More so, AI education in universities should accompany learning the ethics of using and employing the technology. AI educators must adhere to ethical standards and data privacy protocols to promote the fair use of technology in the education sector.
In the face of such veritable challenges, a balanced approach is essential in integrating AI into education. While AI can enhance the learning experience, it should complement rather than replace the human element of teaching and mentorship. Effective education entails a symbiotic relationship between AI-driven tools and human intelligence, where educators play a central role in guiding and supporting students’ academic journeys. A critical mention here must be made about the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recognizes the unfolding significance of AI and its role in shaping the future of education. The policy views AI as a powerful tool to address various challenges and achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), including promoting women’s higher education. The proactive pursuit of the objectives outlined in the NEP 2020, combined with broader governmental efforts to promote scientific innovation and learning, would yield tangible outcomes that would benefit the country and society in the long term.
The effective implementation of AI in higher education demands collaborative efforts among policymakers, educators, and AI developers. The government must prioritize investment in AI research and infrastructure to foster innovation and ensure equitable access to AI-driven educational tools. Unlike other fields, AI in education would ensure improvement in AI itself as more young minds would engage the technology, making it more efficient, helpful, and safer. To implement AI better, educational institutions must embrace a culture of adaptability and provide comprehensive training to faculty members to maximize AI’s potential effectively.
Integrating AI in higher education offers a transformative opportunity to revolutionize learning, research, and administrative processes. By leveraging AI responsibly, higher education institutions can unlock their full potential and create a more inclusive and innovative educational environment. The journey towards AI-driven higher education requires collaborative efforts among policymakers, educators, and AI developers to address challenges and seize opportunities. By embracing AI thoughtfully, India can lead the way in shaping a future where AI is a powerful catalyst for advancing higher education, fostering a generation of skilled and empowered individuals ready to take on the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. Essentially, India cannot afford to be complacent as the AI revolution unfolds in education. India has to seize this opportune moment with AI, as failing to do so would leave future generations constantly playing catch-up.
Originally Published: Sunday Guardian, on 20th August, 2023
Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India