AI-enabled classrooms in 80k schools across state on cards

PUNE: Students in govt schools across Maharashtra are set to benefit from technology-based learning as the state plans to introduce artificial intelligence–enabled classrooms in nearly 80,000 schools.

This initiative aims to make lessons more interactive, enhance students' understanding of concepts, and help teachers monitor student progress more efficiently through digital tools and real-time data.

Sampark Foundation, to support this shift, will invest Rs 42 crore to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in school education.

The programme is being implemented through collaboration between the Maharashtra govt and Sampark Foundation, with the objective of improving the quality of education for lakhs of students studying in govt schools. The initiative was discussed during a state-level dialogue titled "AI for Education Impact," held at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai. The event was inaugurated by Ranjit Singh Deol, principal secretary of the school education and sports department.

"Education officials, teachers, technology specialists, and policy experts from across the country took part in discussions on how artificial intelligence can contribute to better learning outcomes in classrooms," Deol added.

During the event, Sampark Foundation founder and president, Vineet Nayar, emphasised that every child studying in a govt school should have access to high-quality learning opportunities.

"Artificial intelligence is not meant to replace teachers but to support them with tools that can make teaching more effective and improve student learning," Nayar said.

One of the key aspects of the initiative will be an AI-driven real-time classroom observation and administration system.

"This system will enable education authorities at district, block and school levels to monitor classroom engagement and track students' academic performance. It will also help identify schools that are lagging and send timely alerts so that corrective measures can be taken," Deol added.

Experts present at the dialogue highlighted that teachers in govt primary schools currently spend about 81% of their time on administrative responsibilities, leaving only around 19% for actual classroom teaching. AI-based tools are expected to ease this burden by automating tasks such as lesson planning, preparation of teaching materials, and report writing.

Education department officials believe that integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms will improve learning outcomes and enhance the overall quality of education in govt schools throughout Maharashtra.