Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a novel concept but has been continuously evolving and gaining prominence in recent times. It has significantly benefited the education industry, shared Amrita Burman, Deputy Director, Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:
As the Director of the Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions, could you share with us the philosophy and vision that drives the organization’s approach to education?
Sunbeam has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and has embarked on its 51st year with a steadfast commitment to its philosophy. Our philosophy has evolved and gained strength over time. We take immense pride in providing affordable and high-quality education to the middle-class segment of society, encompassing both lower and upper middle-class families.
One of our core principles is to ensure quality education for the masses. While it may be easier to deliver exceptional education with a small number of students in each class, we embrace the challenge of providing quality education despite having larger class sizes. We understand the importance of offering education in close proximity to students’ homes, considering the prevalent issue of traffic congestion in cities like Varanasi. By establishing multiple schools throughout the city, we strive to bring quality education to students’ doorsteps. This approach not only saves their commuting time but also grants them the opportunity to pursue various extracurricular activities that might otherwise be difficult to manage.
Holistic education is another vital aspect of our vision, aligning with the principles outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP). We have been practicing holistic education long before it gained widespread recognition. Our aim is to foster the overall development of each child, ensuring a harmonious balance between academic and co-curricular pursuits. We strive to transform our students into lifelong learners, equipping them with essential skills rather than just imparting information.
Furthermore, being situated in Varanasi, a city with rich cultural heritage and recognised as the cultural capital of the country, holds significant importance for us. We believe in honoring ancient traditions while embracing a modern perspective. Our educational approach blends the wisdom of the past with a contemporary outlook, ensuring that our practices remain relevant and adaptable to changing times.
It’s worth noting that Sunbeam offers education from playgroup to post-graduation. In addition to schools, we also operate higher education institutions, providing various postgraduate courses such as M.A. in different subjects. This comprehensive range of educational offerings, from early childhood to higher education, sets Sunbeam apart and contributes to our achievements as an institution.
Sunbeam Group operates a diverse range of educational institutions. How do you ensure that each institution maintains its unique identity while aligning with the broader goals and values of the group?
Sunbeam’s philosophy is spread beyond Varanasi, as we have established schools in tier two and tier three towns across the country. Our focus is particularly on Eastern Uttar Pradesh, an economically disadvantaged region. Our goal has been to bring quality education to areas that have yet to benefit from its presence. As a result, our student body and parents represent diverse backgrounds and experiences, varying significantly from those in Varanasi and other locations.
The demands of higher education differ from those of school education, and maintaining a minimum standard across our institutions has always been a priority.
AI is a buzz word nowadays. What are your thoughts on AI usage in school education and higher education?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a novel concept but has been continuously evolving and gaining prominence in recent times. It has significantly benefited the education industry. When seeking information today, AI algorithms offer numerous suggestions and options based on keywords, showcasing the learning and progress of machines. ChatGPT, for instance, has become popular among students who use it to generate essays, poems, and even songs by inputting relevant keywords.
AI is particularly valuable for handling routine tasks, as it frees up time and mental space for higher-order thinking and activities that require human creativity and individual thinking. However, complete dependence on machines or AI without nurturing creativity or independent thinking in children can be worrisome. Recognising the importance of technology, I believe that instead of ignoring or avoiding it, we must embrace AI and engage in meaningful conversations with children about its impact and responsible usage.
In my school, I have started incorporating AI into assessments by providing a paragraph generated by ChatGPT and challenging students to improve upon it, add different perspectives, and think critically. It is crucial to encourage children to think around technology rather than restraining their creative potential by preventing them from using AI. As teachers, it is essential to develop a good understanding of technology and know how to effectively incorporate it into our teaching methodologies to benefit our students.
The World Education Summit has been igniting transformation in the education industry since its initial edition. What are your thoughts on being a part of the 26th edition of this global platform on 4-5 July in New Delhi?
It is indeed an honor to be speaking at the World Education Summit, and I appreciate the theme chosen for the event: “Navigating Education in a Globalized World.” The theme resonates well, particularly with the current focus on education in the country, following the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the release of two National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs). Education has become a prominent buzzword, and the government’s call for recommendations from stakeholders demonstrates their intent to bring about meaningful change and ensure access to quality education for every child.
The word “navigating” holds significance, especially for those of us in the private education sector. We have a responsibility to steer education forward and make it beneficial, rather than solely relying on government policies. While we must comply with government rules and regulations, it is within our hands to shape education.
Additionally, the theme’s focus on a globalized world is crucial. In today’s interconnected world, every action and decision we make can have global repercussions, and vice versa. We aim to cultivate a global mindset among our students, encouraging them to think beyond boundaries and embrace a broader perspective. Furthermore, the NEP emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with our roots and local context. Preserving our local culture, traditions, language, and cuisine is vital in showcasing our diverse identity as a nation.
I am excited to be part of a summit that encompasses a wide range of topics and discussions. I look forward to listening, learning, sharing insights, and making a positive impact.
