Artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated various sectors, including education, with colleges and edtech platforms now offering courses on AI. The advent of ChatGPT and similar technologies has sparked a revolution in the industry. The increasing demand for AI education raises the question: will this trend sustain or is it just a passing bubble?


The AI Revolution Begins

In late 2022, Arvind Singh, founder of startup Superbolter, utilized AI chatbot ChatGPT for the first time. This experience convinced him that a revolution was underway. Recognizing the need to accelerate their AI projects, Singh and his team enrolled in tutorials on Generative AI and ChatGPT through the edtech platform GrowthSchool. Armed with newfound knowledge, Superbolter incorporated Generative AI into their existing technology, allowing users to transform 2D floor plans into immersive 3D house constructions within seconds. Singh's experience is just one example of professionals and students embracing the AI revolution.


How AI is Revolutionizing Education


 India: The AI Outsourcing Hub

India, with its vast tech talent pool, has the potential to become an "AI outsourcing hub" for the world. Over 2,700 global competence centres (GCC) are located in India, according to reports from the tech industry's trade group Nasscom, with more than 65 percent of them being American businesses. The use of generative AI in the Indian economy could unlock $621 billion of productive capacity, equivalent to 18 percent of GDP in 2021, as estimated by a FICCI-Access Partnership report. To meet this demand, India must equip its workforce with the necessary AI skills, making AI education crucial.


Soaring Demand for AI Education

Over the past few months, there has been a dramatic increase in demand for educational courses focused on AI and machine learning (ML). For example, upGrad, an edtech platform, experienced a growth of 68 percent in their AI and ML programs from the previous quarter. Mayank Kumar, co-founder and MD of upGrad, notes that the demand for Generative AI is particularly astounding. Professionals like Rohan Bhale, who took up an AI and ML course during the pandemic, found themselves in a job market dominated by AI-driven positions. The surge in demand has prompted various edtech platforms, government institutions, and private universities to incorporate AI offerings into their curricula.


upGrad: Pioneering AI Education

upGrad has taken a proactive approach to AI education, revamping its curriculum to include the fundamentals and architecture of GPT across 34 courses. They have also partnered with Golden Gate University, San Francisco, to launch a three-year Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program in emerging technologies, specializing in Generative AI. The curriculum's experiential element, allowing learners to build their own prototype models, resulted in an overwhelming demand on the program's launch day. upGrad not only teaches Generative AI but also employs AI-powered learning tools to enhance learner engagement, such as an AI-powered chatbot for mock interviews and an AI platform for coding practice.


AI Beyond the Tech Industry

The AI revolution is no longer limited to coders and engineers. OpenAI's GPT-3, along with other AI technologies like Microsoft's Bing and Google's Bard, has made AI accessible to anyone with an internet connection. GrowthSchool, an edtech platform, witnesses the most demand for AI courses from individuals between 23 and 35 years old, who are seeking career advancement opportunities. AI skills have become a golden ticket for professional growth across various sectors, including tech companies, startups, healthcare, education, and marketing.


AI Education Opportunities Abroad

While some students like Akshita Mishra opt to pursue AI education abroad for the broader range of courses, specializations, and research facilities, others face financial limitations. Recognizing this, Indian private and government institutions are also starting to offer AI courses. Institutions such as SP Jain School of Global Management and Universal AI University have witnessed an increase in applications for their AI programs. The challenge lies in finding qualified faculty members who can deliver in-depth and relevant AI courses. However, the integration of AI education into mainstream education aligns with the National Education Policy's vision and equips students with essential skills for an AI-dominated future.


The Importance of AI Education at an Early Stage

AI education should not be limited to higher education but should also be integrated into school curricula. Providing school-going children with a foundation in AI enables them to understand the power of AI, analyze large data sets, recognize patterns, and apply AI algorithms. Personalized learning that caters to individual student needs will play a crucial role in the effective delivery and management of AI education in schools.


The Sustainable Impact of AI

Contrary to a passing trend, AI's impact on various sectors is based on leveraging a practical and problem-solving scientific tool. Industry experts, including Kamlesh Vyas of Deloitte India, believe that AI is here to stay. In order for India to become an AI hub, there must be a democratization of AI education. AI's significance is comparable to the impact of the internet, and a greater focus on AI education will ensure meaningful advancements and opportunities.


Conclusion

AI is revolutionizing education, with colleges, edtech platforms, and institutions offering courses to meet the rising demand. India has the potential to become an AI outsourcing hub, but it must equip its workforce with AI skills. The increasing demand for AI education, along with the need for personalized learning, is driving the integration of AI courses in schools and colleges. The sustainable impact of AI is rooted in its practical application and problem-solving capabilities. As AI continues to evolve, it will have a significant and meaningful impact on various sectors, shaping the future of education and society as a whole.