Paper: GS – II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Social Sector- Education, Issue: Issues with AI use in Education.
Context:
Over-reliance on digital technology in education, especially in early childhood and formal education systems highlights risks of loss of empathy, reduced access equity, and damage to the learning process due to uncritical adoption of AI-based and digital tools.
Key Highlights:
Digital Push in Early Education:
- Rural Anganwadi in Maharashtra using AI-based smart boards and devices for children who have not yet developed basic cognitive skills.
- Early childhood already faces low status in the education system; digital devices risk further alienation from reality and hands-on learning.
- AI cannot replace real-world sensory experiences crucial for young learners.
Over-centrality of Technology:
- Digital technology now occupies a central place in educational planning. It risks damaging fragile system if the human aspects of education are overshadowed by efficiency-driven tools.
- Teachers’ role is reduced as professional capacity and autonomy are shrinking.
Pedagogical Risks:
- Overexposure to virtual reality may distort children’s ability to connect with real-world contexts.
- Interactive smart boards and AI devices may engage but do not ensure deep learning.
- Potential for psychological alienation if real experiences are replaced entirely by virtual substitutes.
AI in Education – concerns:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is treated as a universal solution, but it cannot replicate empathy, moral reasoning, and real-world learning experiences.
- Risk of reducing education to algorithmic outputs.
Recent case study: SPARSH Pension Portal:
- Pension portal for army veterans faces usability and connectivity issues, especially in rural areas.
- It highlights the broader problem of tech solutions without inclusive design deepen access barriers.
Impact on Access and Equity:
- Digital Divide: Rural and underprivileged learners face more challenges in accessing and benefiting from tech-driven education.
- Over-standardisation: Centralised systems like new admission portals ignore ground realities, creating hurdles for students unfamiliar with digital processes.
- Loss of Human Contact: Automated systems reduce opportunities for guidance, mentoring, and emotional support.
Conclusion:
Technology in education should be a tool, not a replacement for human-led learning.Overemphasis on AI and digital solutions risks eroding empathy, access, and meaningful engagement in education.Sustainable educational progress requires human-centric design that combines tech innovation with inclusivity and emotional intelligence.
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