Artificial Intelligence in Nepal’s Education Sector

Recent Trends in AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has grown exponentially and attracted considerable attention globally, bringing in the 4^th industrial revolution. AI has changed the way students learn, teachers teach, and the way institutions operate. In the case of the global scenario, India has launched the ‘Digital India’ project on July 1, 2015, aiming to enable access to better services in every sector including education. China has a plan to have major breakthroughs in AI in education, making it the primary driver in its industry. Moreover, developed nations like the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, the UAE, Japan South Korea have initiated their national AI strategies, particularly in education as well.

This change has brought a multitude of challenges globally, especially to the developing nations which are still behind in adapting with AI. Considering the case of Nepal, it is ranked at 139 among 181 countries in the AI readiness index in 2022; which shows an urgent need to address the gaps in digital skills and education. Therefore, Nepal needs to be ready for this change as there will be need for adequate trained human resources in the field.

Integration of AI in Nepal’s Education Sector

Nepal has recognized the transformative potential of AI in education. The government with the vision of ‘Digital Nepal for Good Governance, Development, and Prosperity’, has endorsed a program of ‘Digital Nepal Framework 2019’ with a plan of implementation, by five years to make Nepal a digital state in every sector.  It is gradually moving towards the development of programs using AI. Under Digital Nepal Framework 2019, startup companies like Fuse Machines Nepal and Paaila Technology are some of the first startup companies that have worked with AI and machine learning. In the case of Kathmandu University (KU), it has launched B tech and M tech programs in AI since 2021. In the same lines, Leapfrog Technology has an internal learning academy and strong emphasis on internships and apprenticeships.

Online learning has gained significant importance in education sector of Nepal since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Many online platforms have been emerging like Mentee, which provides curriculum-based subjects of schools, colleges and universities, professional courses. More recently, after Chat GPT was launched, the thirst for knowledge around AI has been evident and AI powered transcription tools are being leveraged in classrooms.

In the recent fiscal budget of Nepal 2023/24, the Ministry of Education, Science And Technology has been allocated the budget of NPR 197.29 billion with an increase in budget of NPR 1 billion than previous year. This investment in education gives importance to digitization of the education sector, broadband internet facilities in community schools, educational TV programs and loans for students for laptops with low-interest rates to make digitalize Nepal by 2025.

Pros and Challenges of AI in Nepal’s education sector

The apparent pros are the adaptive capabilities of AI which enables personalized learning experiences for students enhancing their engagement and knowledge retention. Educational institutions are leveraging AI algorithm to analyze student’s performances, learning patterns and scopes for improvements. Furthermore, it helps educators to adapt evidence-based teaching methods and has the potential to assist in enrollments, admissions, scheduling, and grading.

Along with the benefits, there are several challenges Nepal faces to enhance AI in education which includes the limitations in infrastructure like uneven distribution of high-speed internet and modern computing infrastructure across Nepal. Moreover, the use of AI involves handling of data privacy and security of students, for which there is no confidence among the students and educators. The number of qualified educators and educational institutions that can teach AI is disproportionately low compared to the exploding demand. Furthermore, despite most sectors having students with degree in AI, there is necessity of law and robust policy in AI.

Way forward

What government can do

To overcome the challenges brought by AI currently, the government of Nepal can take several actions. Making prioritized investment in science and technology for research and development in AI sector seems necessary. Government needs to invest in experienced educators worldwide to transform the curriculum into the technology focused courses. Moreover, promoting e-governance, improving the digital infrastructure and making learning services accessible seems important. Clear data accessibility and regulations of AI need to be maintained. The government needs to make proper laws, plans and state’s national strategy to deal with malicious use of AI and identity theft.

Moreover, collaborations seem to be necessary between government, private sectors, and research organizations to invest in the infrastructure development, drive innovation and research in AI to ensure that the remote regions also have access to AI technologies. More light needs to be shed upon the necessity of regulations and training focusing on the landscape of Nepal, to generate growing socio-economic impact . Further, the government can support AI initiatives in education sector through appropriate policies, incentives, and grants.

What academic institutions can do

For the next generation to be prepared in AI, they need to be made prepared with redefinition in the purpose of education with necessary skillset in technology. STEAM education needs to be improved regardless of the income levels, age and gender to use them morally and ethically. Developing human potential in creativity, imagination, critical thinking and social interaction seems necessary to make them ready to partner with machines in future.

Furthermore, for retaining the students going overseas, Information Technology Academy (ITA) of international standard appears to be important with a public private partnership. Research & Development coordination committee with the executive heads of Tribhuvan University (TU), KU, Nepal Agricultural Research Council and Nepal Academy of Science and Technology can show signs to promote research cooperation and partnership with the National Innovation Centre. In Nepal, events like Digital Nepal Conclave is serving for it as it brings the important stakeholders to the fold, contextualize the problems and involve everyone to take actions in time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI presents transformative opportunities for the education sector in Nepal, that ranges from personalized learning experience for students to enhancing administrative efficiency for educational institutions. Nepal can lay the foundation of a dynamic AI driven future in education focusing on strategic investments in research and innovation, education focused trainings, and robust data privacy measures. Adapting AI developments in the education system not only improves the quality of education but also contributes to the growth and competitiveness in the global landscape of AI.

Hence, to embrace AI in the education sector, educators, schools, government officials and parents can rethink education methodologies and encourage the next generation to take advantage of the opportunities brought by technological change.