When Curiosity Becomes the Curriculum

Loading

STEM education teaches students to treat challenges as building blocks – opportunities to rethink and rebuild strongly.

In this article, you’ll find:
✅ STEM in the 21st century: More than a buzzword
✅ The hidden benefits of STEM education
✅ Why parents must pay attention
✅ India’s urgent STEM demand curve
✅ AI in classrooms: A partner in progress
✅ EdTech trends: Driving classroom change
✅ STEM without borders, curiosity at scale
✅ From STEM to strength: Growth that endures
✅ STEM learning: A shared path

Why does it work like that? How can I fix it?

Every time a child dares to ask this, the future shifts. If parents and teachers pause, listen, and equip children with the right tools, that spark can convert into a lifelong habit of questioning, reasoning, and building with confidence.

…………………………………………….…………………………………………….…………

When Saumya was eight years old, she dismantled her father’s old radio just to understand how it worked. Her parents were initially upset, but her father later told her, “Let your curiosity lead you.”

That encouragement opened a new path. Years later, Saumya used her coding skills to design a flood-alert system for her village. She didn’t begin with answers; she started with questions.

That spark never left her. It still guides her choices, quietly and steadily.

…………………………………………….…………………………………………….…………

This is what the importance of STEM education in the 21st century truly represents: nurturing resilient, agile thinkers who learn to approach uncertainty with courage and creativity.

STEM in the 21st century: More than a buzzword

In a world driven by automation, AI, and precision tools, innovation in education is no longer optional; it is essential. A well-built STEM curriculum in schools equips students to decode real-world problems, adapt under pressure, and see patterns others might miss.

India’s efforts through Atal Tinkering Labs are reshaping access. With 10,000+ labs now active across India and 1.1 crore students – 60% in government schools – STEM is becoming more inclusive. Almost all these labs are co-ed or focused on girls’ education, strengthening equity across social and gender lines.

But what does this mean for a child’s growth?

The hidden benefits of STEM education

When we picture STEM, we often picture coding classes, white lab coats, or robotics. The actual benefits are quieter and run deeper.

These outcomes rarely appear on report cards, yet they shape futures profoundly.

Why parents must pay attention

Parents sometimes ask if coding or robotics education matters for children learning towards arts, literature, or sports. The answer is yes. STEM programmes in schools are about cultivating flexible thinkers and problem solvers, regardless of their career path.

  • Artists today experiment with mathematical patterns and digital design tools.
  • Writers utilise data analysis and publishing platforms.
  • Athletes depend on biomechanics, data analytics, and technology to improve performance.

The goal is to inculcate digital skills in students that strengthen whichever path they choose in the future.

India’s urgent STEM demand curve Our nation stands at a crucial point, and digital fluency and adaptability are now essential, making STEM education the backbone of future readiness.

This shows how tightly STEM and economic growth are linked. The nation’s ability to stay ahead in global competitiveness depends on how well students are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges, today.

AI in classrooms: A partner in progress

Utilised with intent, AI in the classroom adds a new dimension. Adaptive platforms break down complex ideas, guide students, and adjust learning paths in real-time. For students struggling with pace or concepts, AI creates personalised entry points.

Yet, no system can replace the warmth of a teacher celebrating a student’s small victory or calming pre-exam nerves. Technology can guide thinking, but teachers shape the heart of learning.

EdTech trends: Driving classroom change

The Indian EdTech landscape, comprising over 17,000 companies, was estimated at USD $7.5 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a 25.8% CAGR in the coming years.

But the real impact comes from innovators who make STEM learning affordable and hands-on. Platforms such as STEMpedia, Avishkaar, and ThinkTac are equipping schools with hands-on innovation kits, converting abstract concepts into tangible problem-solving experiences. With hybrid models becoming the norm, classrooms are being reimagined, shifting the focus from screens to flexibility, access, and collaboration.

STEM without borders, curiosity at scale

Globally, every approach differs, but the aim remains consistent: preparing students for a rapidly changing future by combining innovation with context.

  • An American nonprofit organisation, Project Lead The Way (PLTW), brings hands-on STEM programmes to schools, with projects like medical devices or sustainable city designs that link classroom learning to real-world problem-solving.
  • According to the 2025 India Brand Equity Foundation report, India hosts about 5.8 million STEM professionals, accounting for 28% of the global pool and 23% of global software engineers, highlighting its pivotal role in the knowledge economy.

From STEM to strength: Growth that endures

The importance of STEM education in the 21st century is often measured in GDP growth or patent counts. But its deeper value lies in resilience.

India’s momentum in semiconductors, renewable energy, health-tech, and space exploration tells a compelling story of STEM-driven progress. ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 made history by placing India among the select nations to land on the Moon, while Aditya-L1 now studies the Sun from space. In green energy, India leads one of the world’s largest solar initiatives through the International Solar Alliance. In health-tech, pandemic-era innovations such as portable ventilators set new global benchmarks for affordability and impact. And in digital connectivity, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has redefined transactions worldwide, placing India at the forefront of digital finance.

These milestones show that the strength of STEM lies in numbers and towards nurturing thinkers who can question, adapt, and create under pressure.

STEM learning: A shared path

What teachers can doWhat parents can do
Begin with inquiry: Start your lessons with, “What do you think will happen?”Ask thoughtful questions: When picking schools, check for coding or robotics labs, and whether teachers are trained in STEM and AI tools.
Link to real-world issues: Frame lessons around local challenges that include water, waste, or health to make STEM meaningful.Create hands-on moments: Support them in mini projects such as puzzles or simple circuits, so that learning continues beyond books.
Model reflection: Speak your mind, adapt as you go, and let your students see your reasoning process.Value curiosity over perfection: Encourage questions, celebrate wins and even failures, especially for girls stepping into STEM.
Encourage teamwork: Group projects in STEM programmes in schools help train students to debate, test, and change their ideas.Guide digital use: Discuss the ethics of AI, set healthy limits on screen time, and encourage children to engage purposefully with digital content.

Curiosity is the beginning of everything that matters. By turning classrooms into spaces for problem-solving in education, we prepare students to question, experiment, and adapt to an unpredictable world. STEM programmes in schools are all about nurturing sharp, agile minds that can solve, adapt, and grow across any field. As parents, educators, and mentors, the greatest gift we can give children is the confidence to ask “why” and the courage to chase the answers.

Tech-Smart Parenting, Heart-First Approach

Loading

Creating safe, digital spaces, meaningful tech habits, and open dialogue for today’s young minds.

In this article, you can explore:
✅ Raising children in a digitally-connected world
✅ Digital well-being: The real balancing act
✅ The silent harm of cyberbullying
✅ Gaming to Esports: Gaming together, growing together
✅ Virtual learning tools: Scrolling with purpose
✅ Social media guidance: Filters vs. feelings
✅ A global wake-up call
  • 3+ hours
  • Social media. OTT. Gaming
  • Unfiltered content. Unseen risks

According to a LocalCircles survey, 61% of urban Indian parents of children aged 9-17 reported that their children spend an average of three hours or more each day on social media, videos/OTT, and online games.

This reality changes the parenting equation. Without mindful screen time management, the line between learning and overload blurs quickly. In today’s time, parenting is about staying curious, staying available, and staying human.

Raising children in a digitally-connected world

Let’s face it: children are becoming digital natives. They explore, connect, create, and sometimes struggle through screens. What makes this challenging is how silent the struggles can be.

Across India, over 82% of Indian children between 14 and 16 years are smartphone users, but just 57% use them for learning. In contrast, 76% primarily use their devices to access social media.

This doesn’t mean screens are the enemy. But it does mean that parents need to bring digital well-being into their everyday parenting vocabulary.

Digital well-being: The real balancing act

Truth be told, digital well-being is about guiding children to use technology in ways that nurture learning, creativity, and rest. It requires habits that are realistic and repeatable.


“It is not how long we are using screens that really matters; it is how we are using them and what’s happening in our brain in response.” Rich, Director of the Center on Media and Child Health, Boston Children’s Hospital & Associate Professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.


These choices teach children that mindful use matters more than minutes counted.

The silent harm of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying prevention is one of the toughest challenges for families and schools. Online bullying can take many shapes – being excluded from groups, cruel memes, mocking emojis, or impersonation.

According to the 2024 Silent Screams: A Narrative Review of Cyberbullying Among Indian Adolescents article by the National Library of Medicine, India has the highest incidence of internet harassment, with over 33% of children reporting having been the victim of it.

Gaming to Esports: Gaming together, growing together

While gaming can become overwhelming, it can also be structured into something constructive. Strategy games often sharpen problem-solving skills and improve hand-eye coordination.

India has now taken a formal step by recognising gaming and e-sports for kids as a competitive sport under the Online Gaming Bill 2025. For example, Krafton (the developer behind PUBG and BGMI) has launched an IPL-style franchise esports league in India, giving teenagers a regulated and professional platform.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Rohini was folding laundry when she noticed her 11-year-old son, Kabir, staring blankly at his iPad.

“What’s wrong?” she asked gently.

He muttered, “Everyone’s gaming together online…they didn’t include me.”

Instead of scolding or grabbing the device, Rohini sat down beside him. “That must feel pretty rough, and you must have felt left out,” she said.

Kabir looked up, surprised that she understood him.

Together, they came up with a new plan: an offline challenge. That evening, they devised a “family carrom tournament board” on chart paper.

By bedtime, Kabir wasn’t sulking anymore; he was grinning, already asking, “Can we play another round tomorrow?”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Virtual learning tools: Scrolling with purpose

Learning now stretches beyond classrooms. Virtual learning tools are part of everyday study, offering interactive lessons and practice exercises. Even game-based platforms are being redesigned to introduce skills like coding, design, and teamwork.

But not every click equals learning. Parents can co-learn:

  • Watch a class together.
  • Ask, “What was engaging? What was confusing?”
  • Discuss how lessons can apply in real life.

Co-learning builds comprehension, and more importantly, it builds connection.

Social media guidance: Filters vs. feelings

Social media shapes how children express and compare themselves to peers. Social media guidance is more about building awareness. Conversations help children distinguish between real and performative posts, reflect on how scrolling makes them feel, and pause when emotions shift toward insecurity.

In fact, Instagram and YouTube now allow screen usage reports and time reminders. Use them together with your child to build digital awareness. This turns tracking into a shared tool for online safety for kids, not a hidden control measure.

Impact of screen time on child development

The impact of screen time on child development depends heavily on how technology is used.

  • Passive watching can create fatigue and distraction.
  • Interactive storytelling or puzzles can build skills.
  • Research and learning apps foster curiosity.

These simple reflections turn experiences into lessons in emotional literacy.

A global wake-up call

The concerns extend beyond India.

In Australia, a 2025 study published by the Psychological Bulletin was conducted among 2,92,000 children. The study highlighted how excessive screen time was linked to developmental problems, depression, and psychosocial problems.

Psychologist Jonathan Haidt, in his book “The Anxious Generation”, has mentioned that your child’s smartphone is a threat to their mental well-being. He and other child advocates suggest delaying smartphone access until age 14 or older, and reviving unstructured playtime as crucial.

A 2025 UNICEF report, Childhood in a Digital World, reveals that exposure to different forms of harmful content or hurtful experiences also affect children’s mental health negatively.

The global message is clear: awareness, balance, and connection are vital.


Your checklist for tech-smart parenting


There is no perfect script for raising children in the digital age. What works for one child may not work for another. But one truth cuts across every home: children need parents who show up.

Digital well-being, safe internet use for children, and social media guidance, along with digital literacy for children are conversations to be lived, one day at a time. Parenting in 2025 should be focused on a steady presence behind the screen, which includes listening, guiding, and learning alongside your child.

Because when parenting starts with empathy and heart, even the most complex digital world becomes a safer, kinder place to grow.

VIBGYOR Group of Schools Expands Mumbai Footprint with New Campus in Gorai

Loading

VIBGYOR Group of Schools is expanding its presence in Mumbai with the launch of a new VIBGYOR Roots & Rise school in Gorai, Borivali West. Strategically located at L.T. Road, near Adani Power Substation, Gorai 3, the new campus has been thoughtfully designed to offer a nurturing, engaging and secure environment for early learners. 

With a strong emphasis on holistic development, the new school reflects VIBGYOR’s commitment to delivering quality early education in a space where children can explore, grow and thrive. 

Holistic Early Learning at Its Best 

Education at VIBGYOR Roots & Rise is anchored in developmentally appropriate practices and a research-based curriculum that supports foundational learning across all domains – cognitive, physical, emotional and social. The programme includes a rich mix of structured learning and creative exploration, empowering young minds with essential life skills like communication, critical thinking and collaboration. 

Students will also have access to best-in-class training in a diverse range of athletic and artistic disciplines. From skating, football, basketball and judo to music, dance, speech and drama, the curriculum encourages children to discover and pursue their interests from an early age. 

Key Highlights of the Gorai Campus 

  • Comprehensive Curriculum 
    A balanced programme designed to spark curiosity and instil lifelong learning habits through age-appropriate and experiential activities. 
  • Experienced Educators 
    A team of qualified, passionate teachers committed to creating a warm and engaging learning environment. 
  • Safe & Inspiring Campus 
    Child-friendly infrastructure with well-lit classrooms, secure outdoor play zones, and rigorous safety protocols including CCTV surveillance, trained security staff, and attentive support personnel. 
  • Collaborative Parent Engagement 
    Open communication channels and regular updates ensure that each child’s learning journey is consistently supported at home and school. 

A Word from the Leadership 

Speaking on the exciting new development, Kavita Kerawalla, Vice Chairperson, VIBGYOR Group of Schools, said, “VIBGYOR Group of Schools was built to give our future leaders an environment to grow and thrive intellectually, artistically, athletically, and morally. With our presence now in Gorai, we will be able to provide quality education to more children in a safe and secure environment that helps ignite a diverse range of passions and interests, thereby preparing them for a demanding new world.” 

Recognised for Educational Excellence 

With a legacy of over two decades in delivering exceptional K–12 education, VIBGYOR continues to receive national recognition for its innovation and impact. Recent accolades include: 

  • Outstanding School Group in Tech Practices – ET Excellence Awards 2025 
  • Excellence in Sports & Physical Education Initiatives – TechEDU India Summit and Awards 2025 

Founded in 2004, the VIBGYOR Group of Schools has consistently raised the bar in education across India, with a network of 40 schools in 15 cities serving over 50,000 students. Under the leadership of Mr. Rustom Kerawalla, Founder Chairman, the group is focused on nurturing excellence in academics, co-curricular activities, and character development through its distinctive approach to learning. 

Admissions for Academic Year 2026-27 are now officially open. 

To discover how your child can begin their journey at VIBGYOR Roots & Rise, Gorai, contact us Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, at +91 600 3000 700. 

We would love to welcome you and your child to the VIBGYOR family. Click here to watch a glimpse of our Gorai campus!  

Introducing Curiosity Meets Joyful Learning

Loading

VIBGYOR Group of Schools has always held the belief that learning begins long before a child picks up a textbook. To us, it begins with a brief spark of curiosity in a child’s eyes when they see, touch, or ask about something for the first time.

It is this very spark that inspires our new campaign, ‘Curiosity Meets Joyful Learning’

Why Curiosity Matters More Than Ever?

Children today are growing up in a world of possibilities, a faster world, places a higher premium on asking better questions, and a world that actively engages and rewards the more creative thinkers. In this world, curiosity should not only be a quality, but rather a strength.

At VIBGYOR, we stand firm in our belief that when children are given the opportunity and responsibility to ask questions, wonder, explore, and imagine, learning goes from an undertaking to a joyous occasion. Through this campaign, we reaffirm our belief that true learning begins with curiosity when young minds ask questions that spark lasting moments of discovery.

Every “What if?” we ask opens a door to learning, and every learning leads to greater confidence, creativity, and courage.

Little Learners, Big Questions

When you walk into any VIBGYOR pre-primary classroom, you can see curiosity in action. Children are experimenting with colours, watching how plants grow, creating stories with their friends and having their own small “aha!” moments of celebration.

Their laughter fills the space, their hands are busy with building, painting, and exploring, and their teachers are right alongside, encouraging and celebrating their every step.

Questions are not interrupted; they are invited.

When children learn to think freely, they learn to think deeply.

Where Learning … Feels Like Discovery

At VIBGYOR, our learning is designed to feel like play – active, hands-on, and full of wonder. Our classrooms are built on the belief that curiosity must be nurtured, not directed.

This philosophy unfolds through our distinctive blend of approaches:

– A whole-child and child-centred approach to ensure every child learns in their own time and in their own way.

– A Play-Based and Story-Based Approach that transforms lessons into joyful experiences of imagination and expression.

– Integrated, thematic and spiralled learning builds connections across concepts to encourage children to continue exploring.

– A Life-centred and Activity-based approach connects learning from the classroom to understanding in life.

– Blended learning uses both traditional and modern approaches to foster engagement and self-discovery.

These philosophies translate into classroom experiences that are as engaging as they are educational. Activities like Storytime, reading books, puppetry and using props to tell stories invite imagination and discussion. Texture and soft books build familiarity with materials through touch and movement (sand, water). Art (bubbles, painting) invites creativity and exploration without limitations. Structured play, soft gym and tunnels encourage fine and gross motor skills in a fun way.

We bring this idea to life through inquiry-driven experiences that build understanding through exploration, play-based and sensory learning that involves the senses, imagination, and emotion and inclusive environments that celebrate every child’s individual pace and perspective.

Our 5Cs philosophy – Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Citizenship encourages learners to explore new ways of thinking, understanding, and engaging with the world built around the essential 21st-century skills that will prepare them to be a part of a world that values curiosity as much as knowledge.

Curiosity Meets Joyful Learning isn’t just a campaign; it’s a celebration of VIBGYOR’s commitment to nurturing every child’s inherent desire to learn, explore, create, and shine!

Admissions are now open for the academic year 2026–27.

See how Curiosity Meets Joyful Learning at a VIBGYOR school near you or contact us Monday to Saturday, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, at +91 600 3000 700. Click here for admissions: https://www.vgos.org/enquiry-form

Equality Isn’t Just Fair; It Is Demographically Transformative

Loading

Empowering women isn’t just a moral choice; it is a demographic necessity for a just and sustainable future.

In this article, you’ll explore:
➡️ The girl who chose science over silence
➡️ Why gender equality is a demographic game-changer
➡️ Education: The first step towards autonomy
➡️ From the ground up, she builds better lives
➡️ Effects of gender inequality on population structure
➡️ From paper to practice: Global shifts, local reforms
➡️ Gender equality in developing countries: An unfinished agenda
➡️ Schools and family: Planting the seeds of equality

The girl who chose science over silence

Priya’s father ran a small tea stall in a small town in Tamil Nadu. She helped before school, after school, and on weekends – but never once complained.

But deep down, she wanted to do something more than boil water and count coins. She had a dream of pursuing a career in science. When a local NGO offered her a scholarship, her family hesitated.

“Who will run the stall?” “What will science do for a girl?”

But Priya didn’t back down. She passed her Class XII examination with distinction, enrolled in public health, and came back – not with rebellion, but with resolve.

Today, she teaches younger girls about the power of education. She speaks at local schools, encouraging families to invest in their daughters’ education and helping girls believe in their own potential.

That’s the quiet revolution behind the education and empowerment of women.

………………………………………………………………………..……………………………

“When you educate a man, you educate an individual. When you educate a woman, you educate the whole family.” – African proverb

Why gender equality is a demographic game-changer

Some may think gender equality and population growth are two separate ideas. But they’re deeply connected. When girls have the same access to education, support, and opportunities as boys, communities become stronger and more resilient.

Sikkim, known for its high literacy and gender-inclusive policies, has a literacy rate of 81.42%, with female literacy standing at 75.61%.

Rwanda introduced gender equity laws and school enrolment reforms, resulting in 98% of girls enrolling in primary schools.

This is the connection between women’s empowerment and population growth rates – a quiet revolution evident in classrooms filled with curious minds and confident voices. Through education, women help uplift an entire community and reshape the demographic future.

Education: The first step towards autonomy

Education lays the foundation for newer possibilities. When a girl stays in school, her voice grows stronger, her confidence deeper, and her ability to lead – at home, in the classroom, and in the world – multiplies.

But when girls are denied education, the consequences extend far beyond the individual. In fact, as per the World Bank Group’s data, countries lose between $15 trillion and $30 trillion in potential earnings due to gender gaps in education.

This belief in the power of knowledge is what drove Srishti Bakshi to walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. Her CrossBow initiative spanned 260 days and covered 3,800 kilometres, highlighting the issues of women’s empowerment and safety.

Her mission was a bold stride for women’s rights and social change, powered by the belief that education and awareness are the strongest tools for empowerment.

From the ground up, she builds better lives

When women lead, education and awareness often follow. In India and around the world, women are showing that gender equality and learning go hand in hand.

Effects of gender inequality on population structure

When girls are not given equal access to education as well as opportunities, the imbalance begins early. In several districts across Northern India, deeply rooted social norms have discouraged girls from continuing their education beyond the primary level.

The Annual Status of Education Report 2023 mentions that the gender gap in enrolment is continuing to narrow. It also mentions that girls still lag in terms of access to or use of digital technologies.

Factors such as a lack of transportation, safety concerns, and traditional expectations often limit girls’ educational opportunities. Over time, gender inequality leads to visible shifts in the composition of classrooms, workplaces, and local governance. These everyday gaps in who learns and leads reveal the true effects of gender inequality on population structure.

From paper to practice: Global shifts, local reforms

While countries globally are championing women’s rights and social change, India isn’t too far behind. Closer to home, India’s gender mainstreaming in policy has taken root in various initiatives, such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and the National Education Policy 2020.

  • Free mobility, real liberty:

Under Karnataka’s Shakti Scheme, over 500 crore free bus tickets have empowered 31 crore women in Mysuru alone, reclaiming not just mobility, but agency and independence.

  • NEP and Navodaya: Rural Girls Rising

Aligned with NEP 2020, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas now have around 42% girls enrolled, which provides them with a safe environment, nutritious meals, and high-quality education, enabling first-generation girls to excel.

  • Mission Shakti: Women Leading Change

Since 2001, Mission Shakti in Odisha has brought together nearly 70 lakh women into 6 lakh SHGs. These women now run micro-enterprises, manage public services, and drive local development, turning policy into lasting empowerment.

These initiatives are empowering women to achieve sustainable population goals, especially in rural and marginalised communities.

 

Gender equality in developing countries: An unfinished agenda

While progress has been made, several girls, especially in rural areas, still face barriers to education. This is primarily due to the stigma imposed by society or limited support from family. True change begins with equal access to education, open conversations, and strong support at home, in schools, and within communities.

Schools and family: Planting the seeds of equality

Creating a gender-equal world begins in schools, in living rooms, and in everyday conversations.In schools:

At Home

A thriving population begins with equal opportunity. Educating girls, amplifying their voices, and shaping inclusive policies are key steps that lead to lasting progress. The link between gender equality and population growth is real and visible, in schools where girls stay longer and in village councils where women lead and make informed decisions. By empowering women, we not only strengthen the role of gender equality in development but also invest in a world where dignity, stability, and shared prosperity are possible for all.

Learning with Artificial Intelligence, Growing with Purpose

Loading

Preparing young minds for an AI-driven world with education that is personal, predictive, and powerful

In this article, you can explore:
➡️ AI in education: A new chalk and talk
➡️ Smart learning systems in action
➡️ Adaptive learning platforms: A classroom that thinks
➡️ AI and global education: Lessons from around the world
➡️ 21st-century skills and AI: Future-ready skills for smarter classrooms
➡️ From imbalance to inclusion: Bridging India’s learning divide
➡️ 5 practical steps to implement AI in schools
➡️ 5 ways to ace parenting in the age of AI

What if your child had a teacher who never got tired, never judged, and could customise each lesson just for them?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Yesterday, Varun sat at the kitchen table, tapping his pencil nervously, the word “fraction” glaring at him. He then abandoned his notebook and reached for his cricket kit.

Today, the learning app he uses serves up a math problem disguised as a delectable challenge. “Slice the pizza into eight equal parts”, chimes the voice from the tablet.

The pace slows, and each correct cut earns him a virtual cheer. Varun giggles, learning in the process, without even realising it.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Behind the fun, artificial intelligence in classrooms is tracking his progress, identifying gaps, and quietly building his confidence.

AI in education: A new chalk and talk

Across India, AI-powered learning platforms are taking over the reins wherever traditional models fall short. In India, Mindspark by Educational Initiative (EI) has shown remarkable results.

As per the 2017 Disrupting Education? Experimental Evidence on Technology-aided Instruction in India, paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research, students who won the lottery to attend Mindspark centres scored 0.36 σ higher in maths and 0.22 σ higher in Hindi after just 4.5 months of access to the programme.

Perhaps the most significant breakthrough of AI and machine learning in education lies in their power to adapt uniquely to each student’s pace and progress.

Smart learning systems in action

As classrooms evolve, technology is becoming the link that makes learning more engaging. Smart learning systems are steadily redefining how lessons are taught and understood.

These are some of the best examples of how future-ready classrooms can look, bringing together technology and inclusivity.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Visual break: What does your child’s report card miss?

While traditional assessments measure performance after the test, AI-based platforms can track learning in real-time.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Adaptive learning platforms: A classroom that thinks

Imagine a classroom that adapts to your child’s pace. That’s the promise of adaptive learning platforms supported by intelligent tutoring systems. These digital tools shape every lesson to match a child’s pace, identify the gaps, and monitor their progress.

Here’s what makes them a game-changer:

  • Understands learning cycle: Tracks speed, struggles, and strengths of students to adjust the lesson flow in real-time.
  • Repeats without judgement: Revisits tough topics until the student is confident – no stress, no stigma.
  • Waits till your child’s ready: Introduces new lessons only when a student truly grasps the concepts.
  • Empowers teachers: Dashboards show real-time learning gaps, so that students receive help before examinations.

A study by the World Bank Group mentions that Google piloted the Read Along app in 200 villages across Uttar Pradesh. The result? 64% of participants showed an improvement in reading proficiency, and 92% of the parents noticed improvement in their child’s reading skills.

AI and global education: Lessons from around the world

Globally, countries are adapting to AI and global education strategies in unique ways, each tailoring the technology to suit their education systems.

21st-century skills and AI: Future-ready skills for smarter classrooms

The future of education with AI is less about replacing teachers and more about nurturing children with 21st-century skills and AI fluency. In a world shaped by AI and machine learning in education, students must think critically, collaborate with both peers and technology, and channel creativity into fresh ideas.

Consider Pune-based THE Labs, a not-for-profit organisation, where students from low-income communities learned how AI tools work, questioned their biases, and explored ways to train, leverage, and evaluate their outcomes.

This insightful moment highlights how AI and global education need to be grounded in awareness as much as innovation.

.……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Visual break: Should we fear AI in classrooms?

Not really. In fact, we should guide it. Since AI is a tool, its success depends on how ethically, inclusively, and intelligently we use it.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

From imbalance to inclusion: Bridging India’s learning divide

AI in education has the potential to close India’s toughest gaps, especially where student-teacher ratios are high. Platforms like ConveGenius’s personalised adaptive learning (PAL) are active across 16 states, reaching over half a million children with real-time, multilingual instruction customised to each student’s pace.

In Nagpur, India’s first AI-powered Anganwadi, fitted with VR headsets, smartboards, and interactive digital tools, has more than doubled attendance, turning early childhood centres into lively, engaging spaces.

By adapting across languages, learning levels, and local realities, personalised learning with AI is pushing Indian classrooms beyond one-size-fits-all teaching, toward a more equitable, welcoming, and scalable model for all learners.

5 practical steps to implement AI in schools

For schools, the value of AI lies in thoughtful use. These five moves make AI in education practical, inclusive, and impactful:

5 ways to ace parenting in the age of AI

As a parent, you shape how your child experiences AI in education and learning. By staying engaged, setting boundaries, and reinforcing lessons at home, they can ensure that technology becomes a supportive guide rather than a distraction.

  • Be curious, not cautious

Curiosity builds trust and shared learning. Ask your child to demonstrate how AI tools work and what new they have discovered.

  • Set screen-time boundaries

Differentiate between active learning and passive scrolling. Limit passive screen time and encourage your kids to use interactive learning apps instead.

  • Encourage learning in everyday life

If AI explains a science concept in English, repeat it in your native language, or connect it to local experiences, which strengthens personalised learning with AI and cultural relevance.

  • Point out when something feels off

If the app is too complex, you must act immediately in the interest of your little one. AI tools should support your child, not stress them.

  • Celebrate wins together

When an app gives positive feedback, share it with your child and reinforce it in their daily learning process. Recognition boosts motivation and self-worth.

The promise of AI in education is not about replacing human touch, but strengthening its reach and resonance. With AI-powered learning, children gain confidence through personalised pathways, teachers get clarity with real-time insights, and parents gain reassurance about their child’s learning progress. Yet, no algorithm can replicate wisdom, empathy, or values; these remain profoundly human. If guided responsibly, the future of education with AI can deliver not only speed and scale, but also classrooms that nurture fairness, creativity, and compassion, spaces where learning becomes smarter, kinder, and truly transformative for every child.



Top