1 day ago
Sikkim Rolls Out AI-FunZone Across 71 Government Schools
Sikkim has started a computer-based learning programme called AI-FunZone.
It is being used in 71 government schools for children in Classes 3 to 5.
Children practise English, Nepali and Mathematics during a 60-minute class.
The computer system can listen to children read and notice where they need help.
It can also find mistakes in Mathematics and give suitable exercises.
Teachers remain in charge and use a dashboard to see each child’s progress.
The programme does not rank or compare students through examinations.
However, some schools do not have enough computers, headsets or reliable internet.
Sikkim has introduced the AI-FunZone programme in 71 government schools across three Gangtok district blocks.
The programme serves Classes 3 to 5 with support in English, Nepali and Mathematics.
Students receive short, daily personalised practice through computers or shared digital devices.
AI can identify reading difficulties and mathematics errors, while teachers use dashboards and assessments to track progress.
Some schools face shortages of computers, tablets, headsets and high-speed internet needed for the programme.
- Who
- The Sikkim Education department, working with EkStep Foundation, is implementing the programme for students in Classes 3 to 5.
- What
- AI-FunZone is an AI-supported learning programme providing personalised practice in English, Nepali and Mathematics.
- Where
- It is being implemented in 71 government schools in the Khamdong, Nandok and Martam blocks of Gangtok district, Sikkim.
- When
- The rollout was reported on September 20, following an MoU signed in April.
- Why
- The programme aims to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy and help teachers identify and address learning gaps.
Programme Benefits
Implementation Concerns
Use of artificial intelligence
Programme Benefits
The Education department says AI personalises practice, identifies reading and mathematics difficulties, and helps teachers address learning gaps.
Implementation Concerns
The programme depends on digital devices and reliable connectivity, and some schools have reported shortages of the required infrastructure.
Student learning experience
Programme Benefits
Interactive activities, audio and graphics support independent and remedial practice without examinations, rankings or comparisons.
Implementation Concerns
Schools lacking enough computers, tablets, headsets or high-speed internet may face difficulties providing the intended learning experience.
Role of teachers
Programme Benefits
Teachers remain central, using dashboards and AI-generated assessments to support regular classroom instruction.
Implementation Concerns
Although school heads reportedly found implementation relatively simple, the programme adds a technology-dependent system that requires equipment and trained personnel.
Key facts
- Programme
- AI-FunZone
- Schools covered
- 71 government schools
- Student levels
- Classes 3 to 5
- Subjects
- English, Nepali and Mathematics
- Class format
- A 60-minute AI-FunZone class integrated into the regular school day
- Training
- Around 300 resource persons from the three blocks have been trained
- Implementation partner
- EkStep Foundation, under an MoU signed in April
- Infrastructure needs
- Computers or tablets, headsets and high-speed internet connectivity
Quotes
Sikkim Education department
The state Education department responsible for implementing the programme
“The pilot project introduces adaptive, technology-enabled learning to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy”
CNBC TV 18
theprint.in
Sources
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