AI Beyond Blackboards

"A lifelong advocate for tech-driven learning, Alka Verma, Resident Director, Zamit, breaks it down for us, “AI isn’t here to replace teachers—it’s here to empower them.” In her own words during an interview with Corporate Citizen, she expressed how AI is bridging gaps, personalising learning, and preparing students for a future we’re only beginning to imagine. Read on..."

Corporate Citizen: AI has revolutionised nearly every industry. Its most profound impact may be in education, where it’s not just changing how we learn, but who gets to learn. So, is it a boon or a bane?

Alka Verma: Artificial Intelligence like any transformative technology, presents both opportunities and challenges. But, when we examine its role in Indian education specifically, the benefits overwhelmingly outweigh the concerns. Let me explain why this is particularly crucial for our nation. First, consider our unique context—we're educating the world's largest school-aged population, yet we're still working to achieve optimal literacy levels. The challenge becomes even more pronounced when you realise that 80% of Indians live in semi- urban or rural areas. Without technological intervention, quality education simply cannot reach every corner of our vast country. AI isn't just an enhancement, it's becoming an essential infrastructure for equitable education.

CC: How is AI helping bridge educational gaps in India?

AI serves two critical roles in Indian education. First, it's bringing learning opportunities to rural and underserved communities, where traditional education systems haven't reached effectively. Second, within our school system, we see a stark divide—private schools have adopted technological tools, giving their students global competitiveness. While government schools often lack these resources, I'd estimate at least 50 per cent still operate without adequate technology. The potential is enormous. If we equip public schools with similar AI-powered tools, we could unlock opportunities for millions of more students currently being left behind.

CC: How does AI help teachers and administrators in their daily work?

The impact has been truly transformative across the board. For teachers, AI has become an invaluable partner in crafting dynamic lesson plans that engage students. What used to take hours of preparation, can now be done more efficiently while actually improving quality. It's also revolutionising how we assess students. Instead of just handing out numerical scores like "6/10", AI helps provide meaningful qualitative feedback that actually guides improvement, telling a student "Your reading is strong, but let's work on comprehension skills". And, for administrators it's automating countless routine tasks—everything from tracking attendance to managing schedules—freeing up precious time that can be better spent supporting students and teachers. The cumulative effect is creating more effective educators and more efficient school systems. Making us believe that AI isn’t here to replace teachers, it’s here to empower them.

CC: Students often misuse AI to complete homework mindlessly. How can we limit this, while keeping creativity intact?

The key isn’t to restrict AI, but to teach students how to use it responsibly and effectively. For instance, mastering prompts—the right keywords—is crucial. Without them, even AI’s answers become useless for the students. The more you try to ban it, the more they'll want to use it. Restrictions only make technology more appealing. Rather than fighting this natural curiosity, we should channel it productively.

AI tailors responses based on a user’s level and context. Most of the time, it doesn’t offer just one response, it generates multiple options. On the brighter side, this forces students to critically assess answers before choosing the best one.

Instead of resisting the tool, we should guide students to engage with it thoughtfully. This way, learning becomes more dynamic, efficient and future-ready, without oppressing creativity.

CC: What are the implementation challenges?

There are two main obstacles – infrastructure gaps, especially power supply in rural areas, and mindset resistance. Some fear, technology may replace human interaction or expose students to inappropriate content.

CC: Is cost a barrier?

Not necessarily. With the widespread adoption of smartphones, even among lower-income groups, access has become more affordable. Quality education can now be delivered through basic mobile devices, eliminating the need for expensive equipment.

CC: How can AI tailor learning experiences for students, especially in Indian schools and colleges?

AI and immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can bridge gaps in access and engagement. For example, imagine a school organising a trip to NASA to witness an event like Sunita Williams' landing—only a few students can afford it. With VR, all students can have the same immersive experience, ensuring equal learning opportunities.

CC: Is immersive learning the only way AI customises education?

Not at all. Research shows retention rates improve dramatically with experiential learning—students remember 40 per cent of what they hear, 60 per cent of what they see and hear, and 95 per cent of what they experience. AI can further personalise lessons based on a student’s pace, interests and strengths, making learning more effective and enjoyable.

"We're educating the world's largest school-aged population, yet we're still working to achieve optimal literacy levels. Without technological intervention, quality education simply can not reach every corner of our vast country"

— Alka Verma

CC: From what I gather, your face lights up when we talk about AI, making you a strong advocate of this technology. Why is that?

Because, I’ve experienced its transformative power firsthand. As someone in my 60s, learning AI was a major leap, both professionally and personally. It revolutionised my time management, productivity and even personal growth. If it can benefit me at this stage, I truly believe it can empower everyone.

CC: What’s one quote or idea that comes to mind, when you think of AI in education?

To stay future-ready, we must embrace every opportunity AI offers—to enhance education for students, collaboration for colleagues, and efficiency in every task we do. AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a catalyst for progress.

CC: What's your advice for people using AI?

AI's here to stay—we may as well help our kids use it right. Think of it like teaching them to ride a bike. You wouldn't just hand them a bike and say "good luck", right? You'd show them how to pedal, put on training wheels, teach them the rules of the road.

Same with AI. Get them excited about all the cool things it can do - help with homework, spark creativity, solve tough problems. But also, have those real talks about not believing everything it says, not cheating themselves by copying answers, and protecting their privacy.

The kids who'll thrive are the ones who learn to use AI as a tool, not a crutch. And honestly, we adults need to learn this right along with them. I'm still figuring it out myself.