Teaching & Learning in the AI Age: A Balanced Approach

In the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and DeepSeek are reshaping learning experiences, educators and students face a pivotal shift. AI can enhance productivity, foster critical thinking (IBM Project Debater), and improve efficiency, yet its overuse risks intellectual complacency and superficial learning. While AI can provide instant answers, true understanding comes from deep engagement, questioning, and real-world application. Educators must, therefore, inspire students through experiential and inquiry-driven learning, ensuring that AI serves as a catalyst for intellectual growth rather than a crutch. Likewise, students must cultivate deeper learning habits beyond AI-generated responses, embracing curiosity, analysis, and continuous self-improvement to stay ahead in an evolving world.

Educators today must embrace AI as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for critical learning. By fostering curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving skills, faculty can motivate and inspire students to become lifelong learners rather than passive recipients of information.

1. Problem/Project-Based Learning (PBL): Encouraging Innovation and Real-World Problem Solving

Instead of rote memorization, faculty should encourage students to solve real-world problems through research-based and inquiry-driven learning. This method not only enhances conceptual understanding but also instills creativity, perseverance, and analytical thinking—qualities essential for success in a rapidly evolving world.

Global Example: MIT’s OpenCourseWare offers case-based learning in engineering and business, where students analyze real industry challenges and propose solutions. This approach equips students with industry-ready skills and fosters an innovative mindset. (MIT OpenCourseWare)

Indian Example: IIT Bombay’s NPTEL-SWAYAM platform offers project-based learning courses in AI, data science, and core engineering subjects, integrating case studies and real-world problem-solving. This empowers students to think independently and develop critical solutions to pressing challenges. (NPTEL-SWAYAM)

Inspiring Thought: Great innovations stem from solving real-world problems. What problem will you solve today?

2. Experiential Learning & Assignments: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Faculty should integrate experiential learning methods that require students to apply knowledge practically, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. This hands-on approach makes learning more engaging and encourages students to take ownership of their knowledge journey.

Global Example: Professors at Stanford University use simulations, role-playing, and field studies in business and humanities courses, enabling students to experience real-world challenges firsthand and develop solutions. (Stanford Experiential Learning)

Indian Example: IIM Bangalore’s Case Study-Based Learning model helps MBA students analyze real-world corporate challenges and propose strategic solutions, preparing them for leadership roles. (Case Studies | IIM Bangalore, Most Popular cases)

Inspiring Thought: Learning by doing is the key to mastering any subject. Step outside the textbook and experience knowledge in action!

3. Conceptual Quizzes & Assessments: Encouraging Deep Thinking

AI-generated answers are often superficial and lack depth. To inspire students to think critically, educators should design open-ended quizzes that challenge them to engage with all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy—Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating. A structured marking scheme should reward deep reasoning, problem-solving, and innovative thinking, ensuring that students go beyond memorization.

Global Example: Harvard’s physics courses employ the ‘Just-in-Time Teaching’ method, requiring students to think critically before class discussions, making learning more interactive and thought-provoking. (Instructional Moves from Harvard)

Indian Example: IISc Bangalore’s physics courses integrate inquiry-based assessments, where students must explore open-ended questions before coming to class, encouraging self-directed learning. (IISc Bangalore Curriculum)

Inspiring Thought: The right questions are often more powerful than the right answers. Challenge yourself to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’—that’s where real learning begins!

Final Motivation for Students:

"Education is not about memorizing answers but about learning how to think. The future belongs to those who embrace curiosity, challenge assumptions, and seek knowledge beyond what is easily available. AI can assist you, but your passion, creativity, and determination will set you apart."

Student Strategies for Deep Learning in the AI Age

AI tools can provide quick answers, but they should not replace rigorous study habits. Students must actively engage with credible learning sources (Textbooks, Reputed Journals, related MOOC Courses and Search Engines) and develop intellectual resilience.

1. Engage with Traditional Resources

Relying solely on AI tools can dilute deep learning. Students should consult textbooks and reputable journals to understand concepts in depth.

Textbooks & Standard References:

Physics students can refer to "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Resnick & Walker instead of depending on AI-generated explanations.

Indian Example: The NPTEL course notes and IIT/IISc textbooks (like "Higher Engineering Mathematics" by B.S. Agrewal) provide rigorously structured learning. (NPTEL Course Materials)

Reputed Academic Journals:

The Lancet (medical research), IEEE Xplore (engineering and technology), and Nature (scientific discoveries) provide peer-reviewed, verified content. (IEEE Xplore)

Indian Example: Students should refer to UGC-CARE-listed journals like the Indian Journal of Science and Technology and Current Science. (UGC-CARE List)

2. Develop Critical Thinking Skills

In an age of misinformation, learning to differentiate credible sources is vital. Educational institutions are integrating media literacy programs (Online Training on Media & Information Literacy | Central Institute of Educational Technology | A Constituent unit of NCERT) to help students analyse information critically.

Finland's National Education System: Finland emphasizes media literacy, teaching students how to fact-check and detect biases in information sources. (OECD Report on Finland’s Education)

Cornell University's Fact-Checking Modules: These courses help students evaluate online information by identifying biases and verifying primary sources. (Cornell University Library)

Indian Example: IIT Madras’s Critical Thinking and Writing Course in the Humanities department teaches students to assess credibility and logical reasoning. (IIT Madras Humanities Courses)

3. Explore the Humanities to Foster Empathy

Beyond technical skills, students should study literature, philosophy, and history to develop empathy and ethical reasoning.

Global Example:

The University of Chicago's "Human Being and Citizen" course explores moral dilemmas through classical literature. (University of Chicago Humanities Program)

The Dalai Lama’s collaboration with neuroscientists at Emory University studies compassion-based ethics. (Emory University’s Ethics & Compassion Program)

Indian Example:

Ashoka University’s Liberal Arts Curriculum includes philosophy, ethics, and political science to develop empathy and critical thought. (Ashoka University Humanities)

IIT Gandhinagar's Humanities and Social Sciences Program integrates interdisciplinary studies in ethics and philosophy. (IIT Gandhinagar Humanities)

4. Commit to Lifelong Learning Beyond AI

Technological advancements are rapid, making lifelong learning essential.

Global Example:

Google’s Career Certificates in AI, IT, and cybersecurity prove that even professionals must keep learning. (Google Career Certificates)

Japan’s Culture of Lifelong Learning encourages professionals to upskill. (UNESCO Report on Lifelong Learning)

Indian Example:

IIT Kanpur’s eMasters Program offers executive education for professionals, helping them stay updated with the latest technological advancements. (IIT Kanpur eMasters)

IIM Ahmedabad’s Executive Learning Programs provide continuous education opportunities in business and management. (IIM Ahmedabad Executive Education)

Conclusion

AI in education is a double-edged sword—while it enhances learning efficiency, it must not overshadow deep intellectual engagement. Educators must foster immersive, inquiry-driven experiences, encouraging students to think beyond instant AI-generated responses. Students, in turn, should prioritize foundational learning, critical analysis, and ethical reasoning to develop a resilient intellectual foundation.

By integrating NPTEL-SWAYAM courses, IIT/IISc curricula, reputed journals, and executive education programs alongside globally recognized resources, India can cultivate a balanced education system that leverages AI without compromising depth and rigor. Ultimately, success in this era is not defined by the ease of accessing knowledge but by the ability to question, analyze, synthesize, and apply it meaningfully, shaping lifelong learners prepared for an ever-evolving future.

(I was inspired to write this article after watching this YouTube video- "AI In Education: Shaping The Future Of Classrooms" | Prof. Bharat N. Anand At #IndiaTodayConclave2025 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssZZJ5ArWLo). Sincere thanks to Business Today for the valuable insights)

V T Gopakumar