CEMCA and MIT RAISE Introduce Innovative AI Curriculum for Indian Schools
In a concerted effort to revolutionise India's educational landscape, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), the regional centre of Commonwealth of Learning, in collaboration with MIT RAISE (Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education) has unveiled a ground breaking initiative—The Day of AI India curriculum tailored for Indian schools. The launch, which occurred during the GPAI 2023 Summit at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India, on 13 December 2023, marks a significant stride in introducing AI literacy at an early stage within the Indian school education system.
Dr B Shadrach, Director of CEMCA, set the stage for the Day of AI India programme, highlighting its potential to evolve from a curriculum for primary teachers into broader educational initiatives such as programmes for higher classes, boot camps, and hackathons. The event commenced with formal welcomes from Mr Edouard Havis, Future of Work (FoW) Project Leader at the Paris Expert Support Centre, France, and Dr Matthias Peissner, FoW Co-chair and Director of Human-Technology Interaction Research at Fraunhofer IAO. They emphasised the crucial need to raise awareness about AI among citizens, preparing them for the future workforce.
Dr Pema Samdup, Senior Adviser for Open, Distance, and eLearning at CEMCA, outlined the Day of AI India Curriculum and its delivery through the MOOCs for Development platform. Professor Cynthia Breazeal from MIT's Media Lab provided an overview of the Day of AI Global initiative and its activities in various countries. Mrs Monika S Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, discussed the UPAI – AI for All initiative, focusing on the introduction of AI in schools.
In their closing remarks, Ms Kyoko Yoshinaga from Keio University, Japan, Professor Pankaj Mittal from the Association of Indian Universities, and Mr Satish Kumar from the Central Board of Secondary Education underscored AI's pivotal role across all facets of life and its undeniable significance for the future workforce.
About Day of AI India
Recognising the transformative potential of AI and its responsible implementation, the Day of AI India curriculum is designed to empower both educators and students across primary and secondary levels. The inaugural version of the Curriculum, concentrating on Grades 3-5, emphasises engaging primary school teachers to impart foundational AI knowledge to their students. This pioneering step aims to equip young minds with an understanding of AI's impact on their lives while nurturing critical thinking skills essential for navigating the digital landscape.
Adaptability is one of the intrinsic characteristics of the curriculum. It can be easily translated into different Indian languages, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity across diverse regions. Moreover, its subsequent iteration, Version 2, will extend its reach to secondary school teachers, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping AI literacy among older students.
By arming teachers with the tools and confidence to integrate AI education, the initiative anticipates a ripple effect, fostering awareness not only within classrooms but also within households through informed parents. The emphasis lies not just on introducing AI concepts but also on cultivating responsible AI practices and decision-making.
The collaborative effort between CEMCA and MIT RAISE underscores a commitment to foster critical thinking and prepare India's youth for the evolving technological landscape. As this innovative curriculum takes root, it promises to transform the educational experience, nurturing a generation adept at harnessing the potential of AI while ensuring its ethical and responsible utilisation.
