NCERT introduces 20-hour AI module for classes 9-12, covers deepfakes and data privacy

NCERT has introduced a 20-hour AI and computational thinking module for Classes 9-12, aligned with NEP 2020 and developed with experts from IIT Madras and IIT Jodhpur. The five-unit curriculum covers machine learning, deepfakes, AI hallucinations, digital safety and effective prompting.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched a 20-hour course on computational thinking (CT) and artificial intelligence (AI) for students in grades 9 to 12. The activity-based learning resource was developed by experts from IIT Madras, IIT Jodhpur and NCERT to help students grasp the concept of AI, its pros and cons, and the responsible use of the technology.

The module is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is intended for students who are not familiar with AI. The curriculum emphasises hands-on activities, class discussions, and problem-solving, said NCERT's news release on Friday. It's about commonplace uses of AI, machine learning, deepfakes, data privacy, misinformation and good prompting.

Unit 1 takes a look at how AI is applied in everyday life, such as predictive keyboard functions on smartphones and how AI helps deliver music recommendations. The second details the process of teaching computers to learn by example. Students will be able to train image classifiers and test their capabilities to develop the understanding of the effect of training data on AI performance.

The third unit, titled When AI Gets It Wrong, examines misinformation, deepfakes and AI hallucinations. In addition, it brings a five-step approach to checking information before taking it on board or sharing it.

The 4th unit is about personal data, consent, fairness and digital safety. It explains the Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, of India, and invites the students to analyse the privacy policies of the apps they use.

The NCERT also warns students not to enter into AI tools with sensitive details like Aadhaar and PAN numbers, passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), or personal documents.

In the fifth unit, students will learn to craft and edit prompts, assess AI output, and edit inaccuracies. The module aims to foster the use of AI as a tool for aid, not replacement, of independent thought.

20 classroom hours, including offline activities

This sample class schedule is for 20 classroom hours. The module's teacher guidance suggests that schools can carry out activities with individual devices or teacher-led demonstrations or offline, paper-based and classroom discussions. This way, schools that do not have internet access or devices can join as well.

Students are also encouraged to maintain a "Curious Notebook" to record observations, reasoning and reflections throughout the five units. "This is not a module to be memorised. It is a set of habits to be practised," the module development team states in its letter to students.

School principals welcome the initiative

Praneet Mungali, trustee of the Sanskriti Group of Schools, Pune, welcomed the introduction of AI education in Class 9, stating that these skills would be essential to develop critical thinking, creativity, logical thinking and problem solving.

Dr Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu Public School in Delhi, said the module would foster responsible use of technology and also help the students develop their analytical and creative skills to a great extent.

Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT highlighted that technology can augment human capabilities, but learners are responsible for their judgement, creativity and learning.

The programme comes in the wake of CBSE rolling out a structured computational thinking and AI curriculum for Classes 3 to 8 on April 2. The earlier curriculum recommends 50 hours of instruction annually for Classes 3 to 5 and 100 hours for Classes 6 to 8, supporting a gradual introduction to AI concepts across school education.