Koneru Lakshman Havish Vice-President, K L Deemed to be University

The education sector is undergoing a paradigm shift with the adoption of new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) and the internet of things (IoT). This transformation is enabled by 5G networks with significantly high bandwidth and low latency. Industry leaders share their views on the use cases of these technologies, challenges in deployment and upcoming digital trends in the sector…

What are the use cases of technologies such as AR/VR, IoT and AI/ML in the education sector? How will 5G drive the adoption of these solutions?

AR/VR, IoT, AI/ML and 5G are revolutio­nising the education sector. AR/VR offers immersive learning experiences, IoT en­ha­n­ces classroom management, and AI/ML provides personalised tutoring and adaptive learning. The high-speed and low-latency connectivity of 5G enables real-time colla­boration and seamless streaming of AR/VR content, unlocking the full potential of th­ese technologies for creating engaging and effective education spaces.

What are the ICT solutions deployed by your organisation? What are the main challenges faced while deploying new-age technologies?

Organisations deploy various ICT soluti­o­ns based on their specific needs and go­als. Th­e­se solutions may include cloud computing platforms, data analytics tools, cy­bers­ecurity measures, customer relationship management systems, enterprise reso­ur­ce planning software and communication tools such as video conferencing platforms.

Organisations often face several challenges when deploying new-age technologies. These challenges can include resist­ance to change from employees, the need for significant investments in infrastructure and training, concerns with data security and privacy, integration issues with existing systems and rapid technological advancements that require continuous up­dates and upgrades, which can hamper sm­ooth operation.

How will the rise of various AI tools impact teaching and learning? How will it influence learner-instructor interaction?

The rise of various AI tools is poised to have a significant impact on teaching and le­ar­ning. AI-powered tools can enhance the learning experience by providing personalised content, adaptive assessments, and in­telligent tutoring systems. It can automa­te routine tasks, freeing up teachers’ time for personalised instruction and feedback. AI can also analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns and insights that can in­form instructional strategies. Lear­n­er-ins­tructor interaction may evolve as AI tools facilitate individualised and timely feedback, allowing instructors to focus on higher-order engagement and mentorship. How­ever, it is crucial to maintain a balance between AI-driven automation and the human touch in education to ensure meaningful and ethical learning experiences.

What are the three key digital trends to watch out for in the education sector?

Three key digital trends gaining momentum in the education sector are personalis­ed learning, AR/VR, and AI. Perso­na­lised learning leverages technology to tailor educational experiences to the individual needs and preferences of students. It involves ada­ptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and data analytics to provide customised learning pathways and real-ti­me feedback. This will enhance engageme­nt, mastery, and student outcomes by catering to diverse learning styles and paces.

VR/AR applications enable students to explore complex concepts, visit historical sites, conduct virtual experiments and participate in simulated scenarios. AI-powered chatbots can instantly address student qu­eries and provide round-the-clock support. ML algorithms can analyse student data to identify learning gaps and suggest tailored resources. These advancements have the potential to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness in education.