AI and robotics learning to reach rural schools, says Aditi Tatkare at Goregaon education expo

Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said in Mumbai that artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and new technology are being used more and more in education in this age of digitalisation. According to her, under the new National Education Policy, the government wants world-class modern education to reach students in villages and remote areas as well as in cities.

Tatkare was speaking at the Nesco exhibition centre in Goregaon, where she inaugurated the two-day Education Connect Expo of the Education Growth Network. Dolly Singh, chief executive officer of Education Growth, was also present.

The minister said that for village children to get equal opportunities in modern education, it is necessary to consider translating courses from around the world into Indian languages and making them available in simple form.

The expo is discussing new thinking in the education sector, the use of modern technology and various aspects of educational development. Tatkare said an effort will be made to include the suggestions and conclusions that emerge from these discussions in the state's proposed child policy.

She said that raising the standard of education alone is not enough, and that looking after children's physical and mental health is just as important. Given the mental pressure on children from rising competition, parents' expectations and the cost of education, all-round development will have to be emphasised. To build confidence among government school children that they are no less than children in private schools, the government is focusing on strengthening school infrastructure.

According to Tatkare, the government will consider starting modern educational facilities and activities on a pilot basis in some schools, in coordination with the Education Growth Network, the School Education Department and the Women and Child Development Department. She said that over the next five years, basic educational facilities will have to be strengthened further for the all-round development of children, and coordination between the government and various institutions in the education sector will have to be increased.

For digital learning, installing digital boards in schools must be accompanied by teaching teachers to use them effectively. The minister said this will require training of at least two days, or 48 hours. She added that, like that of students, the mental health and well-being of teachers is important. Aditi Tatkare also said the problems of students, teachers and school management will be looked at together and resolved.

Between 60 and 70 stalls were set up at the exhibition. They gave information on learning with digital boards, artificial intelligence, robotics and activities related to sustainable development. New kinds of educational tools and facilities for students were also presented there.