Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) with AI

The National eGovernance Division (NeGD) under MeitY, plans to incorporate Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) into DIKSHA, offering individualised learning experience to students.

National eGovernance Division (NeGD):

• The National e-Governance Division was created by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology as an Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation {erstwhile Media Lab Asia}.
• It was created in 2009.
• Since then, NeGD has been playing a pivotal role in supporting MeitY in Programme Management and implementation of the e-Governance Projects; provide technical and advisory support to Ministries/ Departments, both at Central and State levels along with other Government organisations.

• To facilitate the implementation of PAL, the MeitY has sought the expertise of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
• PAL works on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and uses software-based approaches to personalize the learning journey of each student.
• The development of PAL involves categorizing content from various subjects and creating tags for different learning segments. Additionally, new content may need to be created.
• The initial focus will be on building PAL for Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics for Classes 9 to 12, which are often perceived as challenging subjects.
• The Ministry of Education aims to improve learning outcomes and school retention through digital learning, especially considering the large number of students dropping out after Class 10.
• Objective: DIKSHA offers digital textbooks and educational content but is currently static.
  • The goal is to make DIKSHA more dynamic and personalized for students with the help of PAL.
• The MeitY is also considering the introduction of voice commands in DIKSHA 2.0 as part of AI-enabled learning. This would allow students to access chapter summaries through voice commands.
• The NeGD plans to assess the market for edtech companies through an Expression of Interest and potentially integrate PAL with DIKSHA 2.0.

Benefits of Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL):

• Customized Learning: PAL tailors the learning experience to individual students, addressing their unique needs, pace, and abilities. This promotes better understanding and retention.
• Improved Engagement: Personalized learning engages students more effectively as it aligns with their interests and capabilities, making learning enjoyable and motivating.
• Higher Learning Outcomes: By adapting content to each student's proficiency level, PAL can lead to improved academic performance and a deeper understanding of subjects.
• Efficiency: PAL can identify areas where students need more help and provide additional resources or guidance, making the learning process more efficient.
• Accessibility: It can be a valuable tool for learners with disabilities, as it can provide customized support and adapt content to suit their specific needs.

Challenges of Implementing PAL in DIKSHA:

• Infrastructure and Connectivity: Effective PAL implementation requires reliable internet connectivity and access to devices, which may be a challenge in remote or underserved areas.
• Teacher Training: Teachers need training to effectively use PAL tools and integrate them into the curriculum. This requires time and resources.
• Data Privacy: Personalized learning involves collecting and analyzing student data, raising concerns about data privacy and security.
• Content Development: Creating personalized content for PAL can be resource-intensive and time-consuming.
• Equity: PAL may exacerbate educational inequalities if not all students have access to the necessary technology or support.
• Resistance to Change: Implementing PAL may face resistance from traditional teaching methods and educators who are not familiar with technology-based learning.
• Cost: Developing and maintaining PAL systems can be costly, and budget constraints may limit its adoption in educational institutions.