New Delhi, Nov. 11 -- The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way children learn, challenging traditional teaching methods and bringing human-centric skills such as critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving into sharper focus. Education must now go beyond textbooks and classrooms, extending to conversations, communities and everyday experiences. It should help children understand the world around them and recognise their role and responsibility in shaping it. With students increasingly turning to AI tools to complete classwork and homework, the bigger question is what they are actually learning in the classroom.
Every year, on November 11, India celebrates National Education Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of the country's first-ever post-Independence Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The first National Education Day dates back to 2008, when the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now the Ministry of Education) declared Maulana Azad's birth anniversary as a day to pay tribute to his efforts towards the education system of India. On National Education Day, therefore, it is all the more important to rethink the purpose of classroom education and focus on building knowledge, independent thinking and skills that technology cannot replace. Educator Shiladitya Ghosh, who has over 30 years of experience, said India has made significant strides in expanding access to education, but the next chapter of our education journey must focus on what children are learning inside classrooms. "Enrolling a child in school is only the first step; ensuring that they can read with comprehension, think critically, apply concepts and build the confidence to navigate an evolving world is what truly matters. This calls for sustained investment in a stronger academic support system, a renewed focus on foundational learning, and greater support for teachers," he said.
In the age of AI, most students, barring a few, are becoming increasingly dependent on the technology. While integrating AI into everyday learning is the need of the hour, we must also be mindful of its impact on students' ability to think independently. The key is to ensure that while children learn to use AI, their critical thinking, creativity and adaptability are not compromised. Anju Sharma, Senior Principal of a leading school in Hyderabad, believes education now must move beyond imparting knowledge and focus on preparing students to think independently, embrace new ideas and find meaningful solutions to the challenges ahead. "The true purpose of learning is to equip children not just for the world as it exists today, but for the world they will go on to shape tomorrow. National Education Day is an opportunity to reflect on the role of education in shaping not just individual futures, but the future of society," she said.
As India continues to expand educational opportunities, another important question remains: are students acquiring the skills they need to succeed beyond examinations and degrees? The disconnect between academic qualifications, practical capabilities and evolving professional expectations makes this a timely conversation about the outcomes of education, rather than access alone. Karan Lalit, Executive Director - South Asia, TOEFL and GRE, ETS, believes the real world demands more than academic proficiency. It requires critical thinking, effective communication, adaptability and the confidence to work across cultures. "We often ask whether students are ready for the real world, but perhaps we should also ask whether our classrooms reflect enough of that world. A student may excel in examinations, but can they apply that knowledge when faced with a problem that has no predefined solution? We must recognise that education should go beyond preparing students for their first job. It should equip them with the curiosity, confidence and practical abilities to succeed in a constantly changing world," he said.
Preethi Rajeev Nair, Principal of a reputable school in Gujarat, also highlights the increasing need for education today to move beyond textbooks. "While digital tools may streamline access to information, the real goal is to nurture curiosity, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience. Real mentorship is about shaping independent thinkers who can navigate challenges with empathy, practical wisdom, and purpose-anchoring them in enduring values like discipline, integrity, and compassion while empowering them to embrace new possibilities," she said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.