How can schools prepare for AI integration?

Artificial intelligence is changing how we live and work. For schools, this means students need new skills to thrive in a tech-driven world. But how can Indian schools, especially those with limited budgets, start using AI tools? Let’s explore simple, practical steps schools can take to prepare for AI integration.

AI integration – How schools can prepare students for the future

1. Train teachers first

The success or failure of integrating AI in schools primarily depends on how well the teachers understand the tools and their uses. Before introducing AI, train them to use basic tools. For example:

• Free online courses: Use platforms like Google’s ‘Teacher Centre’, which offers free modules on digital tools.
• Workshops: Schools can partner with local tech colleges to host weekend sessions on AI basics.
• Peer learning: Schools can create groups where tech-savvy teachers train others.

For example, a Chennai school started monthly ‘tech circles’ where teachers share AI apps like Quizizz for interactive quizzes.

2. Update the curriculum

India’s education system still focuses on rote learning. To include AI:

• Add coding early: Teach Scratch or Python from Class 6.
• Ethics lessons: Teachers can discuss AI’s impact on jobs, privacy, and society.
• Project-based learning: Educators can let students build simple AI models, like chatbots for school websites.

Students and faculty members of IIT-Bombay came up with a solution to forecast floods and provide real-time rainfall and water logging data. Students created the tool to predict monsoon floods using local data.

3. Improve infrastructure

Many Indian schools lack basics like electricity or the Internet. They can improve infrastructure by starting small:

• Use apps like Khan Academy, which offers offline modes.
• Buy refurbished tablets or share computer labs between classes, as they are more affordable.
• Use funds from schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to set up smart classrooms.

4. Involve parents and clear misconceptions

Parents often fear technology replacing teachers. Clear doubts through:

• Demo sessions: Show how AI tools help with homework.
• Local language resources: Share AI guides in Hindi, Tamil, or Telugu.
• Community labs: Allow villagers to use school computers after hours.

For example, a Punjab school hosted a ‘tech mela’ where students demonstrated AI projects to parents.

5. Focus on student skills

AI isn’t just about coding. Students need critical thinking and creativity.

• Clubs: Start coding clubs or robotics teams.
• Competitions: Join events like Atal Tinkering Marathons.
• Real-world problems: Let students use AI to solve local issues, like air quality monitoring.

Let us look at an example to understand this better. A Bengaluru student team built an AI model to detect potholes using smartphone photos. They shared it with the city corporation.

6. Partner with tech companies

Today, companies are more than happy to work with schools and educational institutions to prepare students for future challenges. Schools can partner with:

• Startups: Offer internships or project ideas.
• IT giants: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) runs ‘GoIT’ programs for students.
• Local NGOs: Teach rural kids AI basics through games.

Recently, a Hyderabad school teamed up with a startup to create AR-based science lessons. Students could ‘see’ 3D planets in class.

7. Use free or low-cost tools

Expensive robots or software aren’t needed. Try:

• Google AI Experiments: Let students explore AI through doodling or music.
• Canva Magic Write: Generates stories or poems with AI prompts.
• ChatGPT (with caution): Teach students to fact-check AI-generated answers.

Teachers can now use ChatGPT to create debate topics and ask students to find flaws in the AI’s arguments.

8. Talk about privacy and safety issues

AI tools collect data. Schools must protect students by:

• Teaching digital safety: Explain the risks of sharing personal info online.
• Using secure platforms: Avoid apps that sell student data.
• Clear policies: Ban facial recognition tools unless necessary.

For instance, schools can block AI attendance apps if parents worry about facial data misuse.

How NBFCs can support schools

Many schools struggle to afford AI tools. Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) offer loans with easy terms. For instance, schools from various cities in India borrow funds from NBFCs to set up coding labs. Repaying in small instalments makes it budget-friendly.

Role of online platforms

Online marketplaces help schools find affordable resources. A Jaipur teacher bought second-hand robotics kits from an online platform at half the price. Schools can also sell student projects, like AI art or apps, to raise funds.

How and where to begin

• Pick one tool: Try a free AI app like Padlet for class projects.
• Training: Train two teachers and let them lead others..
• Involve students: Ask students to suggest AI ideas.

Helping students prepare for the future

Bringing AI into classrooms isn’t about flashy gadgets—it’s about helping students adapt to future challenges. Start with simple steps: use community resources and focus on skills like solving real-world problems. Schools with tight budgets can use loans from NBFCs for basic tech upgrades or find affordable tools on online marketplaces. Creativity doesn’t come from machines; it comes from curious minds.