Hands-On Learning: How NCERT’s AI module uses real-life examples, classroom activities to teach Classes 9 to 12

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a 20-hour module for students in Classes 9 to 12, focusing on computational thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This module aims to make complex concepts accessible through real-life examples and hands-on activities. The module, developed in collaboration with faculty from IIT Madras and IIT Jodhpur, begins with everyday situations where pattern recognition occurs, such as spotting a friend in a crowded canteen or identifying songs by a few notes.

The module then progresses to how machines learn, the errors they may make, and the responsible use of these technologies.

The 20-hour course consists of five units, each designed to be activity-based and suitable for diverse learning environments, including those without digital devices. In the first unit, students learn about the different types of AI and understand their limitations. They explore the difference between simple rule-based automation, like a pressure cooker responding to pressure, and learning-based AI, like a smartphone keyboard predicting words based on patterns.

Unit 2 focuses on the concept of machine learning, teaching students how to evaluate and test what a machine has actually learned through practical exercises. They train a classifier using pictures of pens and erasers and learn about the importance of using relevant and diverse training examples. Unit 3 delves into the potential pitfalls of AI, such as when it produces incorrect outputs or generates misinformation. Students are taught how to critically assess AI-generated content and verify its accuracy.

Unit 4 addresses privacy and consent, using everyday digital decisions to teach students about data protection. They dissect app privacy policies, ask questions about data collection, and explore scenarios where consent might be an issue. Finally, Unit 5 introduces students to modern AI tools as aids to augment their own thinking rather than replace it.

Students learn to craft effective prompts, refine them for better results, and use AI tools responsibly. Throughout the module, students maintain a "Curious Notebook" where they document their learning journey, including AI diaries, classifier tests, verification checklists, privacy analyses, and prompt libraries. This approach encourages students to become informed, responsible users of technology and reinforces the importance of human judgment, creativity, and ethical responsibility in the learning process.