The role of artificial intelligence in the future of education The present generation has everything at its fingertips. From learning new things to entertainment, from playing games to watching live sports, almost every activity is accessible within seconds. This fast-paced life, with nearly everything just a click away, represents a transformed lifestyle where technology is the backbone. At the heart of this technology-driven world is Artificial Intelligence. AI has become integral to education, planning, exploration, entertainment, business, healthcare, and nearly every aspect of life that enhances and streamlines daily living. What is Artificial Intelligence? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a computer-based technology that mimics human intelligence to perform various tasks precisely. The subsets of AI—machine learning, natural language processing, expert systems, predictive analytics, machine vision, deep learning, neural networks, and speech recognition—form a strong foundation for various solutions in diverse fields. The immense popularity of AI stems from its ability to solve simple and highly complex problems effectively. The core principle behind this technology is trained algorithms that analyse vast volumes of data to find the most optimal solution. Once the correct solution is identified and reported, it is stored as a reference, and further data analytics are performed for similar future queries. This continuous process strengthens the systems, making them more intelligent over time. Thus, software developers create self-learning algorithms and incorporate them into various practical systems humans use. Have you ever tried chatting on a website or business account? Many of these utilise AI-powered chatbots that communicate with you in a human-like manner and provide solutions using the data they've been trained on. The developers of AI algorithms are skilled IT professionals with a deep passion for technology. Popular programming languages that code these algorithms include Python, Lisp, C++, Prolog, R, Java, and JavaScript. Application of Artificial Intelligence in Education The last few years have seen a significant technological transformation, with artificial intelligence adopted in various fields. In the field of education, AI is considered a powerful tool in: Raising the standard of education Enrolling more students in higher education Simplification of administrative work Increasing the resources for references Identifying weaker areas in the current education system Easy and 24/7 access to various learning resources Acknowledging the dropout ratio Assistance to teachers Making learning exciting and simplified Achieving student-specific learning goals The value-adding aspects of artificial intelligence are crucial for advancing the education system to meet future demands. According to a report, the global education market could be worth $20 billion by 2027. Another survey predicts that AI-powered education in India will surpass $2 billion by 2025. Additionally, India has made significant strides in AI, ranking at the top in the Global Vibrancy Ranking for Talent Concentration, Relative AI Skill Penetration, and the AI Hiring Index. Many educational institutions in India have already integrated AI to maintain academic records and teach students using AI-driven methods. Students are introduced to AI concepts tailored to their level of understanding, with Kendriya Vidyalayas and schools affiliated with CBSE and IB incorporating AI as an essential part of their curriculum. Beyond schools, higher education institutions in India are also moving forward in integrating AI to prepare students for the future. At Chandigarh Group of Colleges Jhanjeri, cutting-edge global education across various fields is offered with the latest technological methodologies and curriculum. With years of expertise in delivering education, the college has introduced several industry-standard programs to foster professional growth. Ranked among the top colleges in India, CGC Jhanjeri continues to produce future-ready professionals. In education, AI is applied in areas such as: Robotics Chatbots Virtual Reality Learning Management Systems Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence in Education Pros of Artificial Intelligence in Education Personalised Learning: AI can adapt to each student’s learning pace and style, offering customised lessons and resources. 24/7 Availability: AI-powered tools, like chatbots and virtual tutors, are available anytime. Students can get help with their studies even outside regular school hours. Efficient Administrative Work: AI can automate grading, attendance tracking, and maintaining academic records. This saves teachers time, allowing them to focus more on teaching and student engagement. Interactive Learning: With AI, students can learn through interactive tools like virtual reality, making education more engaging and fun. Better Accessibility: AI makes education more accessible to students with disabilities. Speech recognition and text-to-speech features help students who have difficulty reading or writing. Cons of Artificial Intelligence in Education Lack of Human Interaction: While AI can assist in learning, it cannot replace the emotional support and personalised care that a teacher provides. High Costs: Implementing AI technologies in schools can be expensive, especially for underfunded institutions. Data Privacy Concerns: AI systems collect a lot of data on students, which raises concerns about privacy and data security. Dependency on Technology: Relying too much on AI could make students overly dependent on technology, which may limit their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Limited Understanding of Emotions: AI cannot understand emotions, empathy, or the nuances of human behaviour. While it can help with academic tasks, it doesn’t provide emotional support or encouragement like a teacher can. The Inference: Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly a booming technology, but it has pros and cons like all technologies. It is always wise to understand both aspects before deciding to implement it. Amid the excitement surrounding AI, it stands out as an excellent partner in education, fostering interaction, saving time, offering flexible learning schedules, and providing a wide range of solutions within a student-friendly environment. For faculty, it’s crucial to build their confidence and ensure job security while familiarising them with the benefits of technology. With 24/7 support for teachers and students, AI adds immense value, helping students achieve their learning goals through top-tier education. To cultivate future professionals, it is essential to incorporate AI. Integrating this technology into the learning experiences of today’s youth will deliver high-quality education with practical, in-depth subject knowledge. A solid foundation built in this way will pave the way for a better future, with opportunities for exploration and application across various fields. Artificial Intelligence Courses Offered at CGC Jhanjeri B.Tech. AI & ML (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning): This course teaches students how to create intelligent systems and machines that can learn from data and improve over time without being explicitly programmed. B.Tech. AI & DS (Artificial Intelligence & Data Science): This course teaches students how to combine artificial intelligence with data science to extract meaningful insights from large data sets. B.Tech. Robotics & AI (Artificial Intelligence): This course focuses on building intelligent robots that can perform tasks autonomously. Students learn about robotics, AI, sensors, control systems, and programming. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education?AI in education uses intelligent technologies, such as machine learning and data analysis, to enhance learning and teaching. It can help customise learning, assist teachers with routine tasks, and offer personalised support to students. 2. How can AI improve learning for students?AI can create personalised learning experiences by understanding students' strengths and weaknesses. It helps students learn independently, provides instant feedback, and offers resources that match their learning styles. 3. Can AI replace teachers?No, AI is not meant to replace teachers. Instead, it assists teachers by handling repetitive tasks, such as grading or answering common questions, so that they can focus on creative teaching and guiding students more meaningfully. 4. What are the benefits of using AI in classrooms?AI can make learning more engaging and interactive, help students learn more effectively through tailored content, and give teachers more time to focus on one-on-one interactions. It can also assist with tracking student progress and identifying areas where students need more support. 5. Is AI in education available to everyone?While AI tools are becoming more common, access can vary depending on resources and infrastructure. However, as technology advances, more schools and institutions are working to integrate AI into their educational systems to benefit a broader range of students. 6. How is AI used in education today?Today, AI is used in education through personalised learning apps, automated grading systems, chatbots that help students with queries, and tools that provide instant assignment feedback. It is also used to manage administrative tasks. 7. What are the challenges of AI in education?Some challenges include the high cost of implementing AI tools, the need for teacher training, and concerns about data privacy. It's also essential to ensure that AI does not create a one-size-fits-all approach and remains a helpful tool, not a replacement for human interaction. 8. How will AI change the future of education?AI will continue to make education more accessible and personalised. It can transform how students learn, teachers teach, and schools operate. In the future, AI may play a bigger role in virtual classrooms and adaptive learning platforms and even assist in career guidance. 9. Are there any colleges using AI in education?Yes, many forward-thinking institutions are adopting AI to enhance the learning experience. For example, CGC Jhanjeri integrates modern technologies like AI into its curriculum to prepare students for the future.