Teachers, students must integrate AI in education: VTU vice-chancellor

Mysuru: Emphasising the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, vice-chancellor of Visvesvaraya Technological University S Vidyashankar on Tuesday said that both teachers and students must understand how AI can be effectively integrated into the teaching-learning process.He said studies indicate nearly 85% of existing jobs may change by 2030 due to rapid technological transformation, making reskilling essential across various professions.He spoke at the valedictory programme of a two-day faculty development programme on ‘AI for Educators', organised by Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering.Vidyashankar said hat several AI tools are already available, and many more are expected to emerge in the coming years. However, he stressed that the real challenge lies not in developing these tools, but in learning how to use them effectively. For this reason, he said, extensive training is required not only for teachers but also for society at large.Citing agriculture as an example, he said while AI-based tools are being developed to support farmers, many may not have the capacity to use them independently. In such situations, students can play an important role in guiding farmers, while teachers must equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills.Highlighting the rapid pace of technological advancement, he urged educators to continuously update their knowledge and adapt to new technologies. "Teachers who attend such training programmes should share their learning with colleagues in their institutions, so that the benefits reach a wider academic community," he said.Vidyashankar also said VTU has introduced AI as a common subject in the first semester and launched initiatives such as Innovation and Design Thinking to encourage students to identify real-world problems and develop practical solutions. Stressing the need for stronger research and innovation, he called upon educators and students to contribute to indigenous technological development so that India can become self-reliant in advanced technologies by 2047.Sadashive Gowda, principal, VVCE; Vishwanath P, secretary, VVS; Shobha Shankar, vice- principal, VVCE; Ashok BC, dean, corporate & international affairs, VVCE; Pooja, professor & head, department of CSE, VVCE; Alamelu N, co-founder, PALS IIT Madras; and Arun K Tangirala, professor, IIT Tirupati, were also present.