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(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) e-learning: Artificial Intelligence Transforming the Learning Landscape in India

(AUGUST-2024)

e-learning: Artificial Intelligence Transforming the Learning Landscape in India

Context:

India is undergoing a significant transformation in e-learning driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The global adoption of technology in the education sector is vastly changing the way we teach and learn.
AI in education aims to achieve optimal outcomes for students by leveraging enormous data and combining it with the human interface that a teacher brings in the learning pedagogy.
In India, the integration of AI in education has showcased remarkable potential, reshaped traditional methods, and brought forth a new era of personalised learning and innovation. India holds an important place in the global education industry and has one of the largest networks of higher education institutions in the world.
According to a recent UNESCO report, the AI market in India is expected to reach $7.8 billion by 2025. Furthermore, AI in the education market would to be valued at around $20.54 billion by 2027.

The Evolution of E-Learning in India: Moving towards AI

In recent years, e-learning in India has undergone a remarkable transformation, significantly impacting the educational landscape especially the vast underserved rural areas. This evolution, driven by technological advancements and increased internet penetration, has been pivotal in addressing the educational needs, where traditional learning methods often fall short.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning experienced a sudden popularity and adoption as traditional learning centres were forced to remain close. The sudden shift to remote learning from traditional setup highlighted the effectiveness of e-learning platforms and tools.
Educational institutions, from elementary schools to universities, quickly transitioned to online learning to ensure continuity of education. Teachers and professors embraced various e-learning tools and platforms to deliver lessons, interact with students, and assess their progress.
Video conferencing software such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet which were go-to connecting tools for corporates became the main medium for conducting virtual classes and facilitating real-time communication.
To notch up Edtech game, a lot of startups and platforms have started using AI. This shift is very evident as AI promises to provide a personalised, adaptive learning experience. AI-driven platforms analyse student data to tailor educational content, ensuring that each learner progresses at their own pace.
Automated grading and feedback systems streamline assessments, allowing educators to focus on instruction. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots and virtual tutors offer real¬ time assistance, enhancing student engagement and support. With such an intriguing platter of offerings, AI certainly will be a game changer for Education sector.

Building LLMs for better Learning

Every student is different, and each has their own pace of learning. A notable study -2 Sigma problem-published in 1984, evaluated classroom teaching in three different settings: conventional teaching, mastery teaching, and tutoring.
While tutoring and mastery teaching significantly improved students’ overall grasp of the subjects compared to conventional teaching, investing in education to enhance the teacher-to-student ratio is challenging for developing countries like India due to limited resources and constrained budgets. Use of AI in EdTech, specifically in large language modelling(LLM), provides a perfect solution to this problem.

AI Penetration in India

Recognising the potential of AI in addressing challenges of accessibility, education, and resource limitations, the Government of India (GoI) announced National Program for AI with a view to guiding the research and development in new and emerging technologies.
In 2020, National Artificial Intelligence Portal or ‘INDIAai’ was launched as a one-stop digital platform for AI-related developments in India. Following, in Dec 2023, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) submitted the first edition of India-AI report.
According to the report, AI will be the kinetic enabler of India’s digital economy and make Governance smarter and more data-led. AI is expected to add USD 967 billion to the Indian economy by 2035 and USD 450-500 billion to India’s GDP by 2025, accounting for 10% of the country’s USD 5 trillion GDP target.

Way forward:

Artificial Intelligence or AI is transforming e-learning in India, making education more personalised, interactive, and accessible.
Increased opportunities for generating ideas and receiving instant feedback, which can support and empower students to analyse topics they are passionate about, is increasing their interest in global platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini and other.
Enhanced availability of assistive technologies to meet the needs of each student, including students who may not have fully participated in education due to geographic, political, technological, or personal constraints.
AI gives students greater access to adaptive technologies, which empower young people with disabilities, language barriers, or other challenges through speech recognition, text-to-speech options, the ability to set their own pace, and more.
In addition, just as the internet has opened borders and deepened opportunities for global fellowship, AI promises to enable international collaboration unhampered by language, cultural, and geographic differences.
Through initiatives like the India AI Mission, investments by global tech giants, and the efforts of innovative startups, AI is bridging educational gaps and democratising access to quality education.

Conclusion:

While challenges remain, the future of AI in e-learning is bright, with endless possibilities for innovation and improvement. As AI continues to evolve, it will play a central role in shaping the future of education in India, empowering learners and educators alike to achieve their full potential.