‘Technology integration is a game-changer in education.’

- Insights from Dr. Kajal Chhatija, Director, United International School, Pune & Founder - CEO, EduDrone- WE CONNECT

by Subeditor1

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, technology integration and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing how we teach and learn. In this interview, Dr. Kajal Chhatija, Director, United International School, Pune & Founder – CEO, EduDrone- WE CONNECT, shares her insights on the importance of technology and AI in education, the challenges and solutions in their integration and the future trends that will shape the learning environments of tomorrow. Let’s dive in.

Dr. Kajal Chhatija speaking at a teacher training seminar.

Q. What is the importance of technology integration in education? How has it changed the learning environment at your school?

Technology integration is a game-changer in education. At United International School, it is not just about having the latest gadgets; it’s about empowering teachers and enhancing the overall learning experience. Technology enables teachers to create lesson plans with ease, allowing them to dedicate more time to meaningful interactions with students. This shift fosters a dynamic and interactive learning environment where technology acts as a bridge between knowledge and learners.

Interactive activities and online resources cater to diverse learning styles, making education more accessible and engaging for all students. These tools allow for personalized learning experiences, addressing the unique needs and preferences of each student. As a result, students become more motivated and involved in their studies.

Moreover, technology facilitates better communication and collaboration among students, parents, and teachers, creating a cohesive and supportive educational community. Parents can stay informed about their child’s progress, and teachers can provide timely feedback, enhancing the overall educational experience. In essence, technology integration at United International School has transformed the learning environment, making it more inclusive, engaging, and effective for everyone involved.

A student explaining the Human Alarm System.

Q. What is the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in education? How can AI be utilized in the classroom to enhance student learning?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education holds immense potential to personalize learning and cater to individual needs. Here’s how:

  • Personalized Learning Paths: AI can analyze student data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. This enables teachers to tailor lesson plans, recommend targeted activities, and adjust the pace of instruction for each student, ensuring a more effective learning experience.
  • Automated Planning and Feedback: AI can automate tasks like grading multiple-choice questions, freeing teachers to focus on one-on-one interactions and providing more personalized feedback. This not only saves time but also allows for more meaningful teacher-student engagement.
  • Adaptive Learning Platforms: AI-powered platforms can adjust the difficulty level of learning materials and activities in real time based on student performance. This keeps students appropriately challenged and engaged, promoting continuous learning and improvement.
  • Intelligent Tutors and Virtual Assistants: AI tutors can provide students with individualized support and answer questions outside of class hours. They can also offer practice exercises and explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner, helping students understand difficult topics at their own pace.

By leveraging AI, educators can create competency-based classrooms where students progress based on mastery of skills rather than simply completing time. This fosters a deeper understanding and empowers students to become self-directed learners, ultimately enhancing the overall educational experience.

With students and teachers of the school.

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in integrating technology and AI into your school classrooms, and how have you addressed them?

Integrating technology and AI into our classrooms at United International School presented several challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was teacher adoption. To address this, we implemented continuous mentorship and training programs. These sessions empowered teachers to use AI with confidence and effectively leverage its capabilities for assessments.

With AI, we now analyze student data to gain valuable insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. This allows teachers to tailor instruction, recommend targeted activities, and maintain regular anecdotal records of student progress. These personalized learning strategies have created a win-win situation for both teachers and students.

By fostering a supportive environment for teachers through ongoing training and mentorship, we have successfully integrated AI into our education system. This has led to more personalized and effective learning experiences, enhancing the overall educational journey for our students.

A training session in progress.

Q. Can you explain what your other organisation EduDrone – WE CONNECT, does and how it has facilitated the adoption of technology in education?

In addition to our work at United International School, I’m also passionate about advocating for wider educational technology adoption through EduDrone – WE CONNECT. Through EduDrone – WE CONNECT we bridge the gap between educators and technology by:

  • AI-powered Workshops: We organize regular sessions to introduce educators to AI tools with real-world applications in the classroom.
  • Exploring the Cutting Edge: I actively research and share informative videos on the implementation of various AI tools like CHAT PDF (text-to-speech), GAMMA (code generation), GEMINI (large language model), AI Poster Maker (automated graphic design), and CHAT GPT (conversational AI).
  • Additionally, we explore and share information on tools like Socratic by Google, which creates personalized quizzes based on student performance, Nephrite, an AI-powered writing assistant for students, and AutoGrader, which automates grading of essays and open-ended questions.

By demystifying AI and showcasing its practical uses, EduDrone – WE CONNECT empowers educators to embrace technology and personalize learning for their students. For example, we hold free AI-based workshops to educate people about AI. An upcoming workshop on AI will be conducted on May 26, 2024. These webinars equip educators with strategies to start their AI journey and learn about fantastic AI tools. More information on our AI-based training can be found HERE.

Q. What future trends do you foresee in the realm of technology and AI in education, and how are you preparing for them at your school?

The future of education is brimming with exciting possibilities! At United International School, we’re gearing up for several key trends:

  • Immersive Learning: Imagine virtual reality field trips or augmented reality lessons bringing textbooks to life. We’re exploring these possibilities to create truly engaging learning experiences.
  • AI-powered Personalization: AI will become even more sophisticated, tailoring learning paths to individual student needs in real time. We’re continuously seeking new AI tools to personalize education further.
  • Data-Driven Insights: AI will provide deeper insights into student performance, allowing teachers to intervene early and effectively. We’re developing systems to leverage these insights for better educational outcomes.
  • Collaborative Learning Platforms: We foresee a rise in collaborative learning through digital platforms, connecting students globally. We are incorporating these platforms to foster a global learning community.

By embracing these trends, United International School is preparing students for a future powered by technology and empowering them to thrive as lifelong learners. We are committed to staying at the forefront of educational innovation to provide the best possible learning environment.

After a training session on ‘AI for Educators’.

Dr. Kajal Chhatija has amassed over two decades of experience in education, ascending from a co-teacher to Director at United International School and founding EduDrone-WE CONNECT. She has onboarded 5000 principals globally and conducted online sessions for over 80,000 educators and students. Recognized with an Honorary Doctorate from the India Habitat Center in Delhi, she is also an award-winning author and mentor dedicated to teacher development and student engagement.

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