How to Implement AI in Educational Settings

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and schools can use it to make learning better. For Indian classrooms, where resources are often limited, and student needs vary widely, AI can offer personalised learning, reduce teacher workload, and prepare students for tech-driven careers. But how can schools start using AI without big budgets or expertise? Here’s a practical guide.

Implementing AI in educational settings

1. Start with teacher training

Teachers are key to any change. Before introducing AI tools, train them to use basic apps and understand AI’s role.

• Free workshops: Partner with local engineering colleges or NGOs for weekend sessions.
• Peer learning: Create groups where tech-friendly teachers share skills.
• Online courses: Platforms like NCERT’s DIKSHA offer free modules on digital tools.

Schools can hold monthly ‘AI Fridays’, where teachers explore tools like ChatGPT to create lesson plans.

2. Use free or low-cost AI tools

Expensive software isn’t needed. Start with free resources:

• Language apps: Google’s Bolo helps students read in Hindi and English.
• Maths practice: Khan Academy’s AI-driven exercises adapt to each student’s level.
• Lesson planners: MagicSchool AI generates quizzes or project ideas in minutes.

Rural schools can use Google’s Read Along app to improve English pronunciation for Class 5 students.

3. Focus on personalised learning

AI can tailor lessons to each student’s pace and level.

• Adaptive tests: Tools like Quizizz adjust difficulty based on performance.
• Feedback bots: Apps like Grammarly check essays and explain errors.
• Custom revision: AI apps like ScribeSense track weak areas and suggest practice.

Tuition centres can use AI tools to identify a percentage of class students struggling with algebra. They can redesign lessons with video tutorials, boosting scores in the process.

4. Bring in local examples

Link AI lessons to students’ daily lives to spark interest.

• Agriculture: Use AI weather apps to predict monsoon patterns in farming regions.
• Healthcare: Discuss how AI helps diagnose diseases in local clinics.
• Transport: Explore how apps like Ola use AI for route optimisation.

For example, schools can teach coding by having students build a chatbot to answer FAQs about local tourist spots.

5. Create student projects

Let students use AI to solve community problems.

• Environmental AI: Predict air quality using sensor data from school areas.
• Heritage preservation: Digitise local folk songs or dances with AI tools.
• Farming solutions: Build simple models to detect crop diseases from phone photos.

For instance, student teams can create AI models to identify counterfeit spices sold in their village market.

6. Collaborate with tech partners

Schools don’t need to do it alone. Work with:

• Startups: Many Indian EdTech startups offer free trials for schools.
• IT companies: TCS and Infosys run CSR programs for AI workshops.
• College students: Invite engineering interns to mentor school projects.

7. Address privacy and ethics

Teach students to use AI responsibly.

• Data safety: Explain why sharing personal info on AI apps is risky.
• Bias discussions: Show how AI can reflect human prejudices (e.g., facial recognition errors).
• Clear rules: Ban AI tools that require student photos or private data.

Let us take a hypothetical example. Schools can ban AI attendance apps if students find that they misidentify students based on specific characteristics.

8. Get parents on board

Many parents fear AI will replace teachers. Ease worries with:

• Demo sessions: Show how AI tools assist, not replace, teachers.
• Local language guides: Share pamphlets in Hindi or Tamil explaining AI basics.
• Success stories: Highlight students who won competitions using AI skills.

For example, schools can host a parent-student AI fair where kids demonstrate chatbots or other AI tools they build.

How NBFCs can support schools

Small schools often lack funds for AI tools. Non-banking financial companies offer loans with easy terms. For example, schools can borrow funds from NBFCs to buy tablets, computers, or other AI software. They can repay the loan in small instalments using funds from student tech exhibitions.

Use online platforms for affordable tools

Online marketplaces allow schools to find cheap tech supplies. Teachers, for instance, can search for and find refurbished laptops for half the price online. Schools can also sell student-made AI projects to raise funds to teach responsibility.

How do you start

You do not have to worry about starting big. Instead, you can start small in any of the following ways:

• Pick one tool: Try a free AI app like Canva’s Magic Write for essay prompts.
• Training: Train two teachers and let them mentor and help others.
• Celebrate wins: Share student AI projects in assemblies or local media.

Final thoughts

AI in schools isn’t about replacing teachers—it’s about giving them additional powers. With free tools, local partnerships, and smart funding (like NBFC loans or online marketplace deals), even budget schools can start small. Using AI, students can look forward to promising careers and stay ahead of the pack.