TLDR: At a recent education conference in New Delhi, experts underscored that artificial intelligence should be regarded as a supportive tool in learning, rather than a substitute for human teachers. They emphasized the critical need for vigilance regarding children’s engagement with AI, advocating for early education on its judicious use and responsible integration into learning environments.
New Delhi – In an era increasingly shaped by generative artificial intelligence, educationists convened at the STTAR Global Education Conference in New Delhi on September 27, 2025, to discuss the evolving role of technology in learning. The consensus among experts was clear: AI must be perceived as a powerful tool to aid education, not as a primary instructor, with a strong emphasis on vigilance concerning its use by children.
The conference, themed ‘Human First, Tech Forward — The New Balance in Education,’ brought together prominent figures who highlighted the necessity of integrating technology responsibly into educational frameworks. A key takeaway was the call for awareness regarding the judicious application of AI, starting from the school level.
Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India, prompted attendees to consider the fundamental question of ‘what and how we are learning with the help of artificial intelligence.’ He elaborated on AI’s potential to be a valuable asset for teachers, particularly in identifying students who are falling behind and supporting efforts to bring them up to par with their peers.
Echoing this sentiment, Vinod Malhotra, Chairman of the Saamarthya Teachers Training Academy of Research (STTAR), articulated, ‘Technology is not the master, it is a great helper.’ This statement encapsulated the prevailing view that AI should serve to augment human capabilities and educational processes, rather than dominate them.
Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman of the Seth Anandram Group of Institutions, addressed the challenges posed by the digital age, noting a reduction in people’s attention spans. He urged a balanced approach, stating, ‘While we must embrace technology to change with times, we must also humanise it.’ Jaipuria also stressed the importance of parental involvement, advising that ‘The use of technology is necessary, but with caution. It is important that parents truly understand their children.’
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All India Council for Technical Education Chairman T G Sitharam, who was honored with the Shiksha Garima Award at the event, reinforced the idea that while technologies are transient, their application must always be appropriate and ethical. He also provided a forward-looking perspective on higher education, projecting a significant increase in participation from a historical 1% and a recent 11% to an estimated 50% by 2035, indicating a future where education will likely be more accessible and technologically integrated.
