The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has prepared an introductory module for students from Class 9 to 12 under the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the main objective of this module is to provide secondary level students with a fundamental understanding of artificial intelligence and computational thinking. Students do not need prior knowledge of any specific subject to begin this course.
This module emphasizes developing crucial skills in students such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Additionally, students will gain help in understanding how AI works, where and how it is applied in real life, as well as its potential limitations and possibilities.
This program is based on an experiential and activity-based learning methodology, which includes activities like discussions, practical exercises, experiments, and self-reflection. These activities can be conducted with or without the aid of digital tools, allowing students from schools with various resources and facilities to benefit from it.
The module defines computational thinking as a process of identifying problems and solving them in an organized manner. It will also help students develop a basic understanding of the growing role and practical applications of artificial intelligence in daily life.
Special attention has been given to the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the module. It includes topics such as data privacy, misinformation, fairness, digital security, and critical verification of information generated by AI. The aim of this initiative is to teach students to check the truthfulness and reliability of content received from AI, rather than blindly trusting it.
Furthermore, it underscores the importance of human judgment, creativity, and ethical responsibility in technology-based education.
This module aligns with the priorities of the National Education Policy 2020, which centers on developing technological awareness and essential 21st-century skills in school students. NCERT aims to prepare students to understand emerging technologies, use them wisely, and responsibly face the challenges associated with them by integrating computational thinking, AI literacy, and ethical awareness.
This module is designed for students from Class 9 to 12, and its structure is kept such that it can be implemented in diverse educational environments, including schools with limited availability of digital devices.