National Seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Education

The Department of B. Ed, Loreto College, Kolkata, in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organised a one-day Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR-ERC) sponsored National Seminar titled “Artificial Intelligence: A Journey into the Realm of Automation in the Pedagogy of Learning and Teaching” on November 29, 2024. The seminar explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, drawing participation from educators, researchers, and students across institutions.

The inaugural session commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a prayer service led by first-year B.Ed. students. Sr. Dr. A. Nirmala, Teacher-in-Charge of Loreto College, welcomed the gathering and underscored the vital role of AI in revolutionising educational practices. Dr. Kaustuva Banerjee then introduced the seminar’s theme, setting a strong foundation for the day’s discussions.

Sr. Nirmala felicitated Dr. Jaydeep Sarangi, Principal of New Alipore College, who delivered an engaging address. He likened AI to an “alien super force” and a Brahmastra, emphasising the need for its judicious application to unlock its boundless potential in education.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Lakshmi D. Chand from Loyola College, presented an insightful analysis of how AI tools can optimise classroom transactions by systematically organising and utilising data from teachers’ and students’ daily activities. Complementing this discussion, Dr. Debarshi Banerjee from the University of Calcutta provided valuable insights, further enriching the session.

The seminar featured two technical sessions that delved into AI’s vast possibilities in education.
Technical session I was moderated by Dr. Ghosh and explored next-generation career roadmaps in the education sector. Dr. Karim from CIET, NCERT explained the concept of Generative AI, emphasising how it synthesises existing data to generate new knowledge. Dr. Madhurima Ganguly from Heritage Business School provided a detailed analysis of ChatGPT, highlighting its strengths, limitations, and potential in education. A thought-provoking video created by first-year B.Ed. students illustrated the impact of AI-driven educational technologies on teaching and learning practices.

Technical session II was moderated by Dr. Ganguly and included virtual presentations. Dr. Chakraborti, Dean of JIBS Business School, juxtaposed human intelligence (HI) with artificial intelligence (AI), shedding light on the implications of machine learning for education. Dr. Bose from the University of Management addressed the risks associated with AI and proposed strategies for mitigating them, advocating a responsible and ethical approach to its integration.

The post-lunch session featured critical presentations by faculty members and students on the cutting-edge applications of AI in education. Topics included AI’s role in improving accessibility, fostering Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), enhancing neurodevelopmental capacities, skill-building, and reshaping homework patterns in higher education. Co-chaired by Dr. Dang and Dr. Ghosh, this session included contributions from Loreto College faculty and participants from other institutions.

The seminar concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. Sanyal, who encapsulated the key discussions and emphasised the importance of adopting AI responsibly in education. Dr. Ghosh delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the speakers, participants, and organising team for their invaluable contributions.

Representatives from institutions such as Shri Shikshayatan College, Mount Carmel College, and Scottish Church College joined Loreto College faculty and students, making the event a resounding success. The seminar effectively showcased AI’s transformative potential, fostering meaningful dialogue and critical analysis of its integration into pedagogy. By emphasising the need for responsible adoption, the event marked a significant milestone in reimagining the future of education.