Vineet Kumar
Computer Science Teacher
United Indian School, Kuwait
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and behave like human beings. Artificial Intelligence helps machines to mimic human beings and perform many tasks from simple to complex. The goals of artificial intelligence include learning, reasoning, and perception. AI is being widely recognized to be the power that will fuel the future global digital economy, and as such, has gained geostrategic importance. A large number of countries are striving hard to stay ahead with their policy initiatives to get their youth ready to function in an environment driven by AI and other emerging technologies. India’s own AI Strategy identifies AI as an opportunity and solution provider for inclusive economic growth and social development.
CBSE had started with Artificial Intelligence as an optional subject for Classes 8 and 9 in the session 2019-2020 and this year it has also been introduced as a skill subject in class 10. The authorities have been conducting training sessions for teachers on how to use AI in the classroom. CBSE has also released the curriculum as well as learning outcomes for all the classes. The AI curriculum has been developed in collaboration with IBM. The objective of introducing this curriculum is to equip our youth with skills required for jobs in the future, create social impact solutions and become AI-ready.
As per CBSE’s guideline, any school with 20 computers in its computer lab can apply to offer AI as a subject to their students. Along with computers, the schools must also have a minimum internet bandwidth of 50 Mbps for these 20 computers. For class 8, the recommended duration is 18 -20 periods(12 hours). For class 9, the recommended time is 168 periods (112 hours) and for class 10 the recommendation is for 200 hours. The calculation is as per CBSE guidelines where 1 period is of 40 minutes.
As of now, the curriculum is being introduced in class 8, 9 and 10. For class 8 learners, there will be no assessments. For class 9 and 10 learners, the assessments will be the same as for other skill subjects. Reference material will be provided by CBSE in the training and facilitator manual.
The curriculum of AI includes: What is AI and the needs for it: AI project cycle, Data Science using Python, Natural language processing, Evaluation etc. Any Computer Science graduate with the knowledge of AI and Python can teach the subject
The applications for artificial intelligence are endless. The technology can be applied to many different sectors and industries. AI is being tested and used in the healthcare industry for dosing drugs and for other patient treatments, as well as for surgical procedures in the operating room.
Other examples of machines with artificial intelligence include computers that play chess and self-driving cars. Artificial intelligence also has applications in the financial industry, where it is used to detect and flag activity in banking and finance such as unusual debit card usage and large account deposits — all of which help a bank’s fraud detection department. Applications for AI are also being used to help streamline and make trading easier.
The introduction of such subjects by CBSE is in sync with what the new education policy of the Indian government has suggested. The new policy aims to make education broad-based, contemporary and demand-driven. As such this subject will prepare the youth to function in an environment driven by AI and other emerging technologies in this digital world.