May 12th 2024.
In today's fast-paced world, the role of artificial intelligence has become increasingly significant in shaping the learning experiences of students. This is especially true in the field of education, where universities and edtech platforms are at the forefront of this transformation.
It is evident that the demand for AI skills has seen a massive surge, with more and more individuals looking to upskill themselves at various stages of their careers. In response to this evolving demand, educational institutions are quickly adapting and offering specialized AI courses to cater to the changing skill requirements. This reflects a paradigm shift in the educational landscape, where embracing technology has become the norm.
According to a report by industry body Nasscom, India is leading the way in AI skill penetration, with a score of 3.09. This is due to the higher-than-average compensation and growth prospects in this field. Another report suggests that India's GDP could see a significant boost of $450-500 billion by 2025, thanks to the integration of data and AI.
Mayank Kumar, the co-founder and MD of upGrad, predicts that AI will become a phenomenon similar to Excel in the coming years. He also highlights the high demand for specialized AI skills, as reflected in their enrollment figures. This trend is not limited to mid-career or senior professionals; even freshers are keen on developing basic AI skills, regardless of their industry.
Raghav Gupta, MD of APAC and India at Coursera, shares a similar sentiment regarding the surge in demand for AI skills. He mentions that every 3 minutes in 2023, someone in India enrolled for GenAI content on Coursera, and by 2024, this demand had quadrupled, with enrollment happening every minute. He further adds that while AI can be a disruptor, it can also be an enabler, with the potential to unlock significant opportunities in various industries.
In 2018-19, former finance minister Arun Jaitley mandated the establishment of the National Program on AI by public policy think tank NITI Aayog. This was to guide research and development in new and emerging technologies. The National Strategy for AI focuses on implementing AI in five key sectors - Healthcare, Agriculture, Education, Smart Cities and Infrastructure, and Smart Mobility and Transportation. It also addresses concerns related to ethics, privacy, and security when integrating AI.
To keep up with the changing skill requirements, up-skilling and specialization courses are being introduced for both freshers and experienced individuals. This paradigm shift is being swiftly and effectively incorporated by online platforms and universities, with graduate and post-graduate courses offering significant add-ons and specializations in AI.
Even colleges and institutes that were previously not associated with technology are now introducing AI courses. For example, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has introduced "An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence" for undergraduate students majoring in computer science. Similarly, management institutes and art colleges are also following suit.
Vinit Utpal, Assistant Professor of Digital Media at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, explains that the penetration of AI is not limited to tech-driven industries. It has also extended to administrative and other sectors. Utpal mentions that administrative officers are being trained to use AI in their operations, and even the media is progressively adapting to this change. He adds that AI has also made its way into communication sectors, where it is being used for tasks like transcribing voice or videos, subtitling videos, and analyzing audience preferences.
Amit Jain, Assistant Professor at the SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, believes that the skill requirements in the workplace have evolved with the advancement of technology. With the internet, the ability to discern between useful and irrelevant information was crucial, but with the integration of Generative AI, the skill requirements have become even more advanced.
In conclusion, AI has become an integral part of the education and professional landscape, with its potential to revolutionize the way we learn and work. It is essential for individuals to upskill themselves and for institutions to incorporate AI into their curriculum to stay relevant in today's ever-changing world.
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