CBSE Adds Computational Thinking and AI Module for Classes III to VIII

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new module titled 'Computational Thinking and AI' for students of Classes III to VIII this academic year, with schools in Adyar actively incorporating the new lessons into their daily instruction. The module moves beyond traditional textbook learning to cover topics ranging from logical reasoning and data formatting to an introduction to artificial intelligence.

According to school heads, the module was developed by the board to help inculcate in students the ability to solve conceptual, competency-based, and higher-order thinking questions. These types of questions have been increasingly asked in board examinations over the last few years, prompting the need for earlier preparation in primary and middle school classes.

The instructional framework relies on newly distributed student and teacher handbooks, which educators are free to incorporate into their regular lesson plans. The handbooks cover a broad spectrum of topics, including permutations and combinations, as well as pattern recognition. For the artificial intelligence portion of the module, the topics mainly revolve around the applications and benefits of various AI platforms. The teachers' handbooks provide specific problems and solutions, along with detailed methods to help guide students to the answers.

Schools in the area are adopting different schedule formats to deliver the material. Some schools have chosen to set aside an exclusive period every day specifically to teach the module to their students. Other institutions are integrating the content directly into existing subject hours.

At Bala Vidya Mandir in Adyar, educators are splitting the teaching responsibilities between mathematics and computer science periods to cover the curriculum effectively.

"There are student and teacher handbooks, and the teachers are free to incorporate them into lessons. Since computational thinking is closely linked to math, the modules are taught during math lessons for at least 15 minutes a day. For the AI portion, the computer science teachers are deputed," said J Sundar, principal of Bala Vidya Mandir, Adyar.