Mumbai educators discuss AI use, student well-being in classrooms

AI can assist a child’s learning, but it should not do the thinking for them, educators said at Mumbai’s inaugural Educators’ Edge discussion on October 10.

The Art of Living Foundation’s Children Teens Desk organised the event, titled *The Human Edge in the Age of AI*, to mark World Mental Health Day. School leaders, psychologists, educators and child-development experts discussed how classrooms can use technology while protecting students’ mental well-being and independent thinking.

Abhimanyu Basu, dean and CEO of Dhirubhai Ambani International School, said children needed to understand AI as a learning tool rather than a substitute for thought. Revathi Srinivasan, director of education and group dean of Singhania Group of Schools, urged families to make space for meaningful conversations. “The root of the issue is that families don't have conversations anymore, they have interrogations,” she said.

Dr Smita Desai, founder of Drishti, spoke about self-regulation and values in guiding technology use. Jayesh Panchal of Sri Sri Vidya Mandir, Borivali, said teachers’ emotional balance also shapes the learning environment.

Participants called for classrooms that value curiosity and problem-solving alongside academic results.