Colloquium Explores AI's Transformative Role in Higher Education
The Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel, hosted a high-impact colloquium on Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Institutions at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The event brought together vice chancellors, experts, and AI practitioners to examine the evolving role of AI in teaching, learning, and academic governance.
In his welcome address, Dr B. Shadrach, Director of COL-CEMCA, emphasised that AI is no longer a distant concept—it is shaping the future of education. While AI offers tools for lecture preparation, course design, and assessment, he urged educators to adopt it responsibly. He also introduced COL-CEMCA’s Academic and Career Skills (Self-Assessment) Instrument (ACSI), a tool developed in partnership with CBSE to guide students in making informed academic and career choices.
The technical session on Artificial Intelligence for Academic Leadership, Decision-making, Governance, and Daily Efficiency, led by Dr Kshma Swarnkar, explored how AI is being used to personalise learning, automate grading, and enhance workplace efficiency. She also highlighted cybersecurity risks and safe online practices. Shri Mrutyunjay Behera, Economic Advisor (Higher Education), Ministry of Education, described AI as a “tamed tiger”—useful yet unpredictable—and called for a balanced, human-led approach to its application.
Moderated by Ms Maya Sherman, Innovation Attaché, Embassy of Israel, the second session on Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Institutions featured distinguished Vice Chancellors from select open universities across India as panellists. Ms Sherman set the context for the panel discussion by inviting insights on how AI is reshaping the higher education landscape. She encouraged the panel to share their perspectives on AI adoption in their institutions, the associated opportunities and challenges, and how AI is redefining both educational delivery and the concept of intelligence.
The panellists shared insights with Prof Satyakam, VC, UPRTOU, urging educators to use AI with discernment and responsibility, acknowledging both its potentials and its limitations. Prof (Dr) Ami Upadhyay, VC, BAOU, highlighted AI’s limitations in supporting creativity and emotional intelligence, especially in light of NEP 2020’s focus on holistic learning. Prof (Dr) O.P. Negi, VC, UOU, described AI as a supportive tool—not a substitute—for educators, and Prof (Dr) Uma Kanjilal, VC, IGNOU, stressed the need for AI literacy that includes ethical awareness. Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sonawane, VC, YCMOU, emphasised the critical role of data in driving AI effectiveness, cautioning against misinformation and advocating responsible use. He shared examples of AI-enabled curriculum enhancement and mass student evaluation. While the panellists acknowledged AI’s potential to bridge resource gaps in education, they firmly stated that it cannot replace human teachers.
Ms Monica Sharma, Programme Coordinator, COL-CEMCA gave the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a networking dinner hosted by the Embassy of Israel for the participants. The colloquium underscored that while AI is set to shape the future of higher education, it must be harnessed thoughtfully, ethically, and inclusively.
