In A First, AI Is Teaching Students At This West Bengal College
This chatbot provides access to subject material aligned with the university syllabus, offering insights into exam patterns, question structures, model questions, and sample answers
AI-powered education has begun at a college in the Sundarbans, marking it a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country driven by college authorities. Bankim Sardar College, located in Canning, West Bengal, serves students from remote areas such as Gosaba, Basanti, Sandeshkhali, Hingalganj, and Kultali.
Many students face significant challenges in reaching the college. To address this issue, the institution has taken a ground-breaking step by incorporating AI-powered chatbots to enhance the quality of education.
related stories
Professors and students claim this initiative has opened new horizons for technology-driven learning.
Under the current National Education Policy (NEP), first and second-year students must study AEC English and Bengali, CVAC Constitution, ENVS, and the newly introduced Indian Knowledge System.
Many students come from distant villages, making daily travel difficult and costly. A shortage of large classrooms and an insufficient number of teachers has exacerbated the challenge of delivering these subjects effectively. While colleges include these subjects in their schedules, classes often do not take place.
Since these are compulsory subjects, students must study them, but the lack of regular classes creates difficulties. To address this issue, the college authorities have turned to technology.
Led by the principal and faculty, the college administration has introduced AI-powered chatbots as a new teaching method. Students can now study at their own pace using their Android phones, gaining a self-reliant and interactive learning experience.
The chatbot provides access to subject material aligned with the university syllabus, offering insights into exam patterns, question structures, model questions, and sample answers. It also provides detailed explanations of grammar, literature, and constitutional topics. Students receive instant responses to their queries, enabling them to learn more effectively.
This AI-powered chatbot has been specially customised for students by an alumnus of the college. It integrates a vast knowledge base and API resources developed by teachers, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Additionally, students benefit from advanced educational techniques such as personalised learning, spaced repetition, and retrieval-based learning. Over the past month, students have used the chatbot for self-study and have reportedly been able to complete their curriculum more efficiently, according to the college authorities.
As a result, issues such as a lack of classrooms, insufficient teachers, and daily commuting difficulties are no longer major obstacles. Education experts believe this initiative is not merely a technological advancement but a revolutionary step in education.
It demonstrates that, with proper planning and modern technology, quality education can be made accessible even in remote areas. Through this pioneering effort, Bankim Sardar College has set a new benchmark in digital education, which experts suggest could serve as a model for other institutions across the country.
- Location :
- First Published: