Patna: The education department in Bihar is set to transform teaching methods in its state-run schools by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) training for teachers, in a move aimed at modernizing classrooms and making students more technologically adept.
The initiative of education department seeks to align government schools with emerging trends in education, including AI-based learning practices already being adopted in institutions affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Officials said the programme has already begun with specialized training sessions for teachers. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has taken the lead in implementing the plan, which focuses on equipping educators with the skills needed to introduce students to AI concepts and applications.
A two-day training workshop titled “AI Elevate for Educators” was held in Patna on April 21 and 22 in collaboration with the Piramal Foundation. The sessions were conducted by The Pedagogics, a global partner of Microsoft. Around 160 master facilitators and experts from 27 teacher education institutions participated, representing 10 districts including Vaishali, Nawada, Muzaffarpur, Rohtas, Patna, Bhagalpur, Saran, Sitamarhi, Gopalganj and Katihar.
Under the initiative, the government plans to adopt a “train the trainer” model. Master facilitators who have undergone the initial training will, in turn, train teachers across their respective districts. These teachers will then introduce students to the basics of AI and its practical uses in the classroom.
Education department officials said the move is part of a broader effort to reform the state’s school system. A special team of officials was recently sent to Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam and Telangana to study education systems, monitoring mechanisms and innovative practices.
The team is expected to submit a detailed report on April 24, based on which policymakers will take further decisions on strengthening education in Bihar. Senior district education officers are expected to attend the review meeting where the findings will be presented.
