Union minister Jitin Prasada: AI cannot replace teachers, warns of its risks in education

Union Minister Jitin Prasada emphasized on Monday that while artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming various sectors, it cannot substitute the indispensable role of teachers in education. Speaking at a conference in New Delhi, Prasada highlighted the unique human elements that educators bring, such as empathy, critical thinking, and moral guidance, which AI currently lacks. He underscored the importance of teachers in fostering an environment that nurtures creativity and emotional intelligence in students. Prasada also addressed the potential risks AI poses within educational contexts. He expressed concerns over the technology's capacity to inadvertently perpetuate biases and diminish the personal interaction essential for holistic learning. The minister stressed the need for a balanced approach, where AI is leveraged as a supplementary tool to enhance educational outcomes rather than as a replacement for traditional teaching methods. The minister called for rigorous regulatory frameworks to ensure AI's ethical use in education. He advocated for continuous teacher training to effectively integrate AI tools into the curriculum, thereby maximizing their benefits while minimizing risks. Prasada's remarks come amid growing debates on the role of AI in education, urging stakeholders to prioritize human-centric learning experiences.

— Authored by Next24 Live