‘AI course for TN schools from 2020’

CHENNAI: In order to make students well versed with new technology, the Government of Tamil Nadu is planning to introduce a course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students of Classes VI to IX. The course will be taught in all government schools across the state and will be introduced in a phased manner starting from the coming academic year.

According to a senior official, a number of students have shown interest in artificial intelligence through projects and seminars. He said that once the course is introduced in schools, students will be able to get in-depth knowledge on the subject and explore a new world of opportunities in technology. A UNESCO study on ‘Artificial Intelligence in Education’ pointed out that AI enables students to access equitable and inclusive education for all while helping advance collaborative learning.

The Department of Education, Tamil Nadu is in talks with tech giants like Microsoft and Google to help in formulation of a comprehensive course on AI. The course will be formed based on the class in which the students are studying. The department is considering to make the AI an elective subject. Students of Class VI will be introduced to basics of information and communication technology and AI. The course will build up as the students go to higher classes. The department will also ensure that all students have complete access to all resources related to the course and will also get an opportunity to work with the experts. It is also planning to recruit new teachers, who will also be trained by experts from partnering tech-giants, for the course.

The state had also announced last year that it will build well-equipped, high-tech and smart classrooms in 6,000 government schools across the state at a cost of Rs 462.62 crore. The official said that most schools already have the infrastructure and the project for the rest of the schools is already underway.

Across the state, many private schools are turning their attention towards major topics in AI and technology and information science. However, on the other hand, many government schools still lack appropriate infrastructure, internet facilities and basic computer-related infrastructure. This, according to government school teachers, is creating a digital divide between students of government and private schools. Though a few government schools occasionally tie up with tech giants to teach advanced computer skills, making the course a part of the curriculum would be beneficial. Dinesh Kumar, a teacher of robotics and computer science at PCKG Government Higher Secondary School, said that making this subject as a part of the curriculum would encourage more students to learn and apply important concepts to their daily lives.