The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 8th February 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Technology and the challenge of equitable education

Why in News?

 The expansion of digital technology in rural India, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly improved access to education. However, there are still challenges in ensuring equitable learning opportunities and effectively integrating digital tools into the educational system. 

Education Trends in the 1990s and Early 2000s

• During the 1990s and early 2000s, India witnessed a large-scale expansion of education.
• Reports from the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) surveys indicated increased enrollment and development of educational infrastructure.
• Despite more children attending school, learning levels did not improve during this period.
• Concurrently, digital technology, including mobile phones and computers, was becoming more prominent.

Impact of COVID-19 on Digital Learning

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital revolution in rural India.
• ASER data shows a significant increase in smartphone usage among rural households during and after the pandemic.
• Smartphone ownership in rural households rose from 36% in 2018 to 84% by 2024.
• The percentage of children aged 14 to 16 owning smartphones increased from 19% to 31% within a year.

Smartphone Usage for Education

• During the pandemic, smartphones were primarily used to access educational materials such as worksheets, videos, and online classes.
• Virtual training sessions for students and teachers became common.
• The digital skills acquired during the pandemic have continued to be beneficial, although there are questions about smartphone ownership among mothers of young children, which is crucial for supporting children’s learning.

Opportunities for Digital Education in India

• There is a significant opportunity for open and continuing education aimed at underprivileged communities.
• Many mothers of school-aged children have limited formal education, with over 40% having no schooling or education below Class 5.
• Educating mothers would empower them to better support their children’s learning, making it a valuable investment for improving educational outcomes.

Challenges in Digital Learning for the Underprivileged

• Despite technological advancements, education for underprivileged communities has not seen substantial improvement.
• A major obstacle has been the availability of personal devices for learning.
• However, ASER 2024 data indicates an increase in smartphone ownership, suggesting a reduction in this barrier.
• More families may soon find it feasible to acquire additional devices, such as second smartphones.

Breaking Language Barriers in Education

• Hardware accessibility has improved, and language barriers are being addressed with local language dictation and translation tools.
• The remaining challenge is guiding students on how to access and utilize learning resources effectively.

Issues with School Attendance and Learning Quality

• Although most children have access to schools, attendance is inconsistent.
• Children in villages attend a mix of private schools, government schools, or private classes, while some do not attend school at all, leading to uneven learning outcomes.
• During the pandemic, some villages in Maharashtra broadcast learning programs to students, and this model could be replicated to organize group learning in rural areas.

Evolution of Education Systems

• Throughout history, each civilization has developed its own education system.
• Colonialism and globalization have integrated these systems, and today, technology and science further connect education systems across different countries.
• However, technological advancements in education are often driven by profit, which can limit their availability to underprivileged groups.

Conclusion

• While educational hardware has become more affordable, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies may require higher-order devices, which could pose a challenge for access.
• Philanthropic investments could play a role in expanding access to educational technology and resources.
• India needs a well-planned and inclusive strategy to ensure that technological advancements in education benefit those who need it the most, particularly underprivileged communities.

India’s voice must resonate in global AI conversations

Why in News?

• In November 2024, a troubling incident involving Google's AI chatbot, Gemini, raised concerns about AI safety and regulation. A student in the U.S. had a conversation with the chatbot when it unexpectedly made a harmful statement, potentially endangering vulnerable individuals.
• This incident underscores the urgent need for ensuring AI safety and establishing proper regulations to prevent such risks in the future.

Global AI Safety Efforts

• AI technology is rapidly spreading across the globe, impacting various sectors, economies, and security measures. In response to this growing influence, an International Network of AI Safety Institutes was launched in the U.S. in November 2024.
• The primary goal of this network is to establish global standards for AI safety and to mitigate potential risks associated with AI deployment. While many countries are participating in this initiative, India is not yet involved.

India’s AI Adoption

• India is one of the leading adopters of AI technology, with a reported 30% adoption rate, surpassing the global average of 26%.
• The country also ranks second in the number of ChatGPT users. Given the rapid growth of AI in India, it is crucial for the nation to participate in global discussions on AI safety.

Why India Must Act Now

• Joining global AI safety initiatives will help protect India’s AI ecosystem and ensure the country can influence international AI policies to fit its needs.
• If India remains on the sidelines, it may struggle to keep pace with AI regulations and risk losing its technological edge.

AI and Geopolitics

• AI is not only a technological issue but also a geopolitical one. For instance, the U.S. has imposed restrictions on AI exports to China, which affects global AI development.
• While India is not currently targeted by such restrictions, future limitations could impact its access to advanced AI tools. To prevent this, India needs to actively participate in global AI safety initiatives.

India’s Strengths in AI

• India boasts a robust IT industry and a skilled workforce in AI. The country’s success with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) projects like Aadhaar and UPI demonstrates its capability in managing large-scale technology initiatives.
• These experiences position India well to contribute to the development of fair and inclusive AI systems on a global scale.

The Need for a National AI Safety Institute

• Currently, India lacks a national AI safety institute, which hinders its ability to lead discussions on AI safety and governance. Establishing such an institute would enable India to take a proactive role in shaping AI safety standards.
• Without timely action, India risks falling behind in protecting its interests and influencing global AI developments.

Conclusion

• As AI continues to transform various aspects of society, it is imperative for India to secure its position in global AI governance. Engaging in international AI safety discussions is crucial for India to avoid being sidelined.
• By taking proactive steps now, India can help shape the future of AI regulations, safeguard its technology sector, and emerge as a leader in the global AI landscape.