Uttar Pradesh Government Schools to Implement Smart Classrooms by Next Fiscal Year
In a significant move towards modernizing education infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh government schools are set to have smart classrooms operational by the next fiscal year. This announcement was made by Vishnu Kant Pandey, Additional State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, during a panel discussion held in Lucknow on Saturday.
Digital Transformation in Education
The panel discussion, titled Integrated learning solutions, focusing on moving beyond the chalk and talk model of education, was organized as part of the TOI Principals' Conclave in association with Sharda University. Pandey highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to transform schools by strengthening digital infrastructure.
Vishnu Kant Pandey stated, "The government has been working diligently to upgrade schools through enhanced digital infrastructure. This includes the establishment of information and communication technology (ICT) labs and the introduction of at least two smart classrooms in each school." He emphasized that while technological advancement is inevitable, teachers remain irreplaceable by artificial intelligence. "We cannot halt technological progress, but we can strategically adopt it to complement traditional teaching methods," he added.
Preparing for the Future Workforce
Another key speaker, Vaibhav Limaye, Senior Project Lead at the Central Square Foundation, addressed the evolving needs of the future workforce. "The workforce of 2040 will require a synthesis of knowledge, robust support systems, and technology literacy," Limaye explained. "Through our initiatives, we provide technical, academic, and managerial support to government institutions. Students today are exposed to technology from an early age and need proper guidance to channel their curiosity into experiential learning."
Saibal Chatterjee, Director of Outreach at Sharda University, reinforced the central role of teachers in the education system. "Teaching remains the cornerstone of education. It is the only profession that teaches all other professions," Chatterjee remarked. "There is an urgent need to uplift teachers and focus on practical learning approaches so that students understand the real-world applications of the subjects they study in school."
Artificial Intelligence and Personalized Learning
The second panel discussion centered on The use of AI, personalised learning techniques and digital tools to transform education. Deepak Singh, Associate Professor at IIIT Lucknow, drew an analogy to illustrate the transition to AI in education. "Using AI is akin to moving from a lantern to an electric switch," Singh said. However, he pointed out critical gaps, such as the absence of dedicated computer teacher positions in government schools.
Deepak Singh further noted, "While AI continues to advance, challenges like cyber fraud persist, and areas such as coding education for autistic students are often neglected. For AI to truly transform education, it must prioritize inclusion, safety, and teacher-led learning rather than focusing solely on tools and platforms."
Skill Development and Infrastructure Investment
Yash Sharma, Lead of Strategic Initiatives at HCL GUVI, compared AI to the human brain and stressed the importance of skill adaptation. "AI mimics the human brain in many ways. Lay-offs occur when skills fail to keep pace with technological changes. Coding relies heavily on logic and reasoning, and data has become the new gold," Sharma stated. "Schools and colleges must prepare students to think critically, analyze situations, and solve problems effectively to thrive in an AI-driven workforce."
Nikhil Kulshrestha, Director of the Sharda School of Business Studies, highlighted the necessity of adequate resources for successful implementation. "There is a pressing need for proper budgets, structured training hours for teachers, and a shift towards skill-based jobs rather than qualification-based systems," Kulshrestha asserted. "Without substantial investment in teachers and infrastructure, technology in classrooms will remain underutilized and fail to achieve its full potential."
The discussions underscored a collective vision for integrating technology into education while maintaining the essential human element of teaching. The initiatives aim to create a balanced approach that leverages digital tools to enhance learning outcomes across Uttar Pradesh's government schools.
