Dear Shri Pradhan : We can and must do better
Context :
Extract :
In a modest classroom in Edo State, Nigeria, an educational revolution unfolded. Over six weeks,
students accomplished what would typically take two years.
This wasn’t a product of extra hours or an elite teaching corps.
It was the result of generative AI—a large language model
serving as a virtual tutor
in an after-school program.
The pilot program,
supported by the World Bank and published on their website, delivered
remarkable results: students made significant strides in English, digital
literacy, and even foundational AI concepts.
The numbers are extraordinary, but the story is even more
compelling. Here, in a Nigeria classroom, we caught a glimpse of how AI
might redefine learning for millions worldwide
The Nigerian
pilot program demonstrated something powerful: with the right tools, students can transcend the limits
of traditional education.
The efficiency
was staggering. In just 30 school days, students achieved the equivalent of
two academic years. That’s a 1,200 percent improvement—a statistic that
would make any policymaker or educator stand up and take notice. But the
numbers, as impressive as they are, tell only part of the story. The deeper
magic lies in the possibilities unlocked by AI and this program.
Imagine a
young girl, previously held back by a lack of resources, now learning to
code and write essays in English. Imagine classrooms where gender disparities shrink, as AI
creates an egalitarian space for knowledge.
One of the
program’s most remarkable outcomes was its ability to benefit all students,
not just the highest achievers. Girls, who initially lagged behind boys in
performance, seemed to gain even more from the intervention, highlighting its
potential to bridge gender gaps in learning.
This success in
Nigeria is more than a local phenomenon; it’s a template for the world. AI-driven tools like LLMs represent an extraordinary shift from
static teaching to dynamic, iterative learning, making
education learner-centric and transforming the experience from rote
memorization to a process of exploration and
critical thinking.
The Nigerian
pilot underscores this potential on a global scale. In regions plagued
by teacher shortages, outdated materials, or systemic barriers, AI offers a lifeline.
It can deliver
high-quality, learner-centric instruction to any learner with access to a
device. The implications are profound. This isn’t just about catching up; it’s about leaping ahead, and redefining
education for a generation that faces unprecedented challenges and
opportunities.
The success of
the Edo State pilot is underpinned by seven key insights, summarized in
the Pioneer Framework:
·
Prioritizing Students:
Students found joy and energy in learning with AI, showing enhanced
engagement and curiosity.
·
Inspiring Teachers:
Teachers embraced AI as a collaborator, sharing best practices and discovering new ways to support
their students.
·
Optimizing Immersion:
A longer timeline would allow students to fully immerse themselves in
mastering AI tools and applying their knowledge.
·
Nurturing Infrastructure:
Reliable power and internet connectivity are vital to ensuring smooth
program execution and scaling.
·
Empowering Resources:
Structured toolkits and prompts made the AI sessions relevant and
effective, adapting to local needs.
·
Enhancing Execution:
Real-time monitoring and feedback enabled course corrections, keeping the
program aligned with its goals.
·
Reducing AI Risks:
Teachers mitigated challenges like misinformation by emphasizing
responsible AI usage and critical thinking.
Dear Shri Pradhan :
It is not a question of > Can we
do better than Nigeria ?
Of course, we can
Question is “ How “ ?
Answer is :
> www.My-Teacher.in { FREE / Use in 9 Indian Languages / No registration/Login
/ Access on your Mobile }
It is high time , we “ direct “ 96 Lakh Principals and Teachers
of our 14.7 lakh schools , to embrace AI
With regards,
Hemen Parekh
www.My-Teacher.in / 21 Jan 2025
