The National Council of Educational Research and Training introduced a new module on Computational Thinking and AI for Classes 9 to 12. This programme helps students learn problem-solving and safe technology use. It uses activity-based learning, so schools can teach these skills even if they have limited digital tools available.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed an introductory module on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students in Classes 9 to 12. This module is structured to be adaptable for use in diverse educational settings, including schools with limited access to digital tools.
Prepared under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, this module aims to provide secondary-level students with a foundational understanding of computational thinking and artificial intelligence. No prior knowledge of any specific subject is required for students to engage with this material.
The module emphasises the development of skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Furthermore, it helps students understand how AI functions, how and where it is applied in real-life scenarios, and what its potential and limitations are.
FOCUS ON ACTIVITY-BASED LEARNING
The programme centers on an experiential and activity-based pedagogical approach. It incorporates activities such as discussions, practical exercises, experiments, and self-reflection. These activities can be conducted either with or without the aid of digital tools, ensuring that students in schools with varying levels of resources and facilities can benefit.
In this module, computational thinking is presented as a methodology for identifying problems and solving them in a systematic manner. Through this, students will also gain a foundational understanding of the growing role of artificial intelligence in daily life and its practical applications.
FOCUS ON THE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF AI
A key component of the module, according to the Council, addresses the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence. It covers topics such as data privacy, misinformation, fairness, digital security, and the critical verification of information generated by AI.
The initiative emphasises teaching students to verify the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content, rather than accepting it blindly. It also highlights the importance of human judgment, creativity, and ethical responsibility in technology-enabled learning.
The introduction of this module aligns with the priorities of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on fostering technical awareness and essential 21st-century skills among school students.
By integrating computational thinking, AI literacy, and ethical awareness, the NCERT aims to prepare students to understand emerging technologies, use them judiciously, and responsibly address the challenges associated with them.