New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is planning to introduce tech subjects such as AI, coding, and data science to the curriculum for students in classes VI to VIII. This is a departure from the current practice of offering skill subjects only after class XI. The CBSE has released a circular listing over 33 skill subjects, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Financial Literacy, Mass Media, and more. The skill modules will be 12-15 hours long, with 70% of the duration devoted to hands-on activities and 30% to theory.
Probable advantages of introducing AI to young students
- AI can help free up educators’ time by automating tasks, analyzing student performance and closing the educational gap. It can also personalize students’ learning courses.
- The new course curriculum on coding and data science will equip students with future-ready learning skills. This is an important step to enable self-reliance in our students and equip them with skills like problem-solving, logical thinking, collaboration and design thinking that are critical for success.
Our Take
We think that programming languages have been a part of CBSE curriculum for several years now. It can develop a sense of curiosity in young minds towards technology. However, there will be challenges to arrange qualified people who can teach these complex topics to 12 year olds. Though this step will increase demand of more technical people as teachers, but many colleges in our country still lack these advance course tutors.
We welcome this step but we also think there are other careers as well beyond technology.