Use AI wisely, technology should be servant, not master-OxBig News Network

Technological experts on Thursday advised students to become “masters” of technology, instead of turning into its “slaves,” by learning the art and skills to access the best material online to enhance their productivity.

Today, the ‘Tech & AI’ edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ (PPC) was broadcast, where two experts—Radhika Gupta (MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund) and Gaurav Chaudhary, known as the ‘technical guru’, shared their insights with students ahead of their upcoming examinations.

The PPC initiative, as per the government website, has been adopting innovative approaches to address exam-related anxiety among students and foster a celebratory attitude towards learning and life.

Both experts discussed advancements in technology, reminiscing about the era of floppy disks and slow internet speeds, compared to the high-end gadgets and high-speed internet available today.

They shared how much easier technology has made life for everyone. However, the experts also cautioned the students. “Earlier, people used to remember landline numbers. Not anymore. It’s all in their mobile phones now. It’s not that brains have become incapacitated; the thing is we don’t want to do it now,” said Chaudhary.

Seconding Chaudhary, Gupta emphasized the importance of maintaining the essence of reality while using technology. “Creativity should not be stifled,” said Gupta, adding that technology should be used as a tool, not as something that leaves you idle.

To help students understand the difference between “real” and “reel” life, the experts used the example of the human eye, which they described as the “best camera” in the world. They also referred to the five senses as the “most powerful” of all mobile phones in capturing the essence of life.

Students asked questions about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their classrooms and studies. The experts said AI acts as a facilitator for teachers within the classroom. “The real wisdom lies with the teacher. The teacher is the guide,” said Gupta.

They added that AI provides a platform for teachers to encourage students to analyze things from various perspectives. For instance, in the case of a war between two countries, they explained that a teacher can use AI to present diverse perspectives and engage students in analysing the implications for both sides.

The experts emphasised that AI should be used for “research purposes” and not for “decision-making.” They urged students to make an effort to observe the things they learn online. “Whether it’s from podcasts or reels, take time to observe what you learn,” said Gupta. Choudhary explained how dopamine, a brain chemical, is stimulated when people watch things of interest on the internet. The experts introduced the “prompt” concept in AI, allowing students to create drawings of their choice.

The practical application of “prompt” was demonstrated by two students—Sneha, a class 11th student from Amritsar, Punjab, and Aafia from JNV North Goa. Both girls drew a sketch of former President APJ Abdul Kalam using AI technology. Quoting from PM Modi’s book “Exam Warriors,” the experts emphasized to students that “technology is a great teacher, embrace it.” The experts also advised students on how they can use technology to help them achieve their goals in their exams: including creating to-do lists, tracking progress, occasional use of games for learning in a playful way, and mock tests.

“Make technology do slave work and do master work yourself,” Gupta advised students. She also advised them to learn how to give “good instructions” in AI. “Be a boss. Know how to give good instructions,” Gupta said. The experts also urged students to prioritize sleep during their exam period, considering it “a powerful weapon.” Quoting from PM Modi’s book “Exam Warriors,” they stated: “Sleep is a powerful weapon, sharpen it.”