NCERT develops computational thinking and AI module for Classes 9 to 12

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed an introductory learning module on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students in Classes 9 to 12, with activities designed to accommodate schools with different levels of access to digital resources.

Prepared under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the module aims to equip secondary-level students with a foundational understanding of computational thinking and artificial intelligence. Students do not need prior knowledge of any specific subject to engage with the learning material.

The module focuses on building essential skills, including critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. It also introduces students to how artificial intelligence works, its applications in real-life situations, and the possibilities and limitations associated with the technology.

By introducing these concepts at the secondary school level, NCERT seeks to help students understand emerging technologies and develop the skills required to assess their applications and implications. The module is structured to support learning in diverse educational environments, including schools where access to computers and other digital tools may be limited.

NCERT emphasizes activity-based learning for computational thinking and AI

The module follows an experiential, activity-based teaching approach that encourages students to learn through participation rather than relying solely on theoretical instruction. Its learning activities include discussions, practical exercises, experiments, and self-reflection.

These activities can be conducted with or without digital tools, allowing schools to implement the module according to their available resources and infrastructure. This approach is intended to make computational thinking and AI education accessible to students across different learning environments.

Computational thinking is introduced as a systematic method of identifying problems, analyzing them, and developing solutions. Through this approach, students can learn to break down complex problems, examine possible solutions, and apply logical reasoning to different situations.

The module also provides students with an introduction to the expanding role of artificial intelligence in everyday life. By exploring practical applications, students can develop a basic understanding of how AI-powered technologies are used and how they influence activities and decisions in different contexts.

The emphasis on practical learning is intended to help students connect the concepts covered in the module with real-world situations. It also encourages them to approach problems systematically and develop the analytical skills needed to understand and work with emerging technologies.

Module covers safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence

Safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence is another key component of the module, according to NCERT. The learning material addresses issues such as data privacy, misinformation, fairness, digital security, and the need to critically verify information generated by AI systems.

Students are encouraged to assess the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content instead of accepting the information without verification. This focus is intended to help them recognize the limitations of AI tools and understand the importance of checking information before relying on it.

The module also highlights the continued importance of human judgment, creativity, and ethical responsibility in technology-enabled learning. While artificial intelligence can support learning and problem-solving, students are expected to understand the need for human oversight and responsible decision-making when using these tools.

By incorporating these themes into AI education, NCERT aims to familiarize students with the potential risks associated with emerging technologies and encourage more informed use of digital resources. The focus on privacy, fairness, and misinformation also introduces students to the ethical considerations involved in developing and using AI systems.

NCERT's AI module aligns with National Education Policy 2020

The development of the computational thinking and artificial intelligence module aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy emphasizes the development of technical awareness and essential 21st-century skills among school students.

The inclusion of computational thinking and AI literacy in secondary education is intended to help students build a foundation for understanding technological developments and their applications. Alongside technical awareness, the module incorporates ethical considerations to encourage students to evaluate how these technologies should be used.

Through the integration of computational thinking, artificial intelligence literacy, and responsible technology use, NCERT aims to prepare students to understand emerging technologies, apply them judiciously, and respond responsibly to the challenges associated with their use.

The module's adaptable structure also allows schools with limited digital infrastructure to introduce students to these concepts through offline activities and classroom-based exercises. This approach seeks to make foundational learning in computational thinking and AI available to students regardless of whether digital tools are readily accessible in their schools.