From Math Phobia to Fun: How AI is Changing Education in Tonk!
Remember that knot in your stomach before a tough math test? For many students in government schools across Tonk, Rajasthan, that feeling was a daily reality. Math was a big hurdle, often stopping them from chasing dreams of careers in science and technology. But thanks to an incredible initiative by IAS Officer Saumya Jha, that fear is rapidly turning into confidence, all with a little help from Artificial Intelligence (AI)!
Saumya Jha, the District Collector of Tonk, noticed a worrying trend during her school visits. Kids had big dreams – working with AI, robotics, drones – but very few were choosing science subjects. Why? A major reason was their low confidence in core subjects like mathematics. On top of that, teachers were often busy with other duties, and many students, especially during harvest season, had to help their families on farms, leading to missed classes and learning gaps.
That's where the "Padhai with AI" (Learning with AI) program comes in. Saumya, who herself used AI to quickly learn new topics for her UPSC exams and her new role, realized its potential to help students who didn't have access to private tutors or extra help.
So, how does this AI magic work?
Imagine a super-smart, patient tutor available 24/7. That's essentially what the AI provides! * Personalized Help: It can answer textbook questions in real-time, offering step-by-step solutions. If a student doesn't get it, they can ask for a new explanation. * Endless Practice: Teachers can use the AI to create unlimited practice tests, customized for difficulty and format (like fill-in-the-blanks or short answers), helping students get ready for exams. * Targeted Learning: If a student struggles with a specific topic, the AI gives them more practice problems on that exact area until they master it.
Take Aman Gujar, for instance. He used to score around 55 in math and felt anxious. With the AI's structured guidance and step-by-step solutions, math became less daunting. He started understanding concepts better and revising regularly. When his board exam results came out, he was thrilled – he scored 65, a full 10 marks higher!
The Results Speak for Themselves!
Launched in September 2024, and with an upgraded version in January 2025, the "Padhai with AI" portal has already made a huge difference in just six weeks of operation before the 2025 board exams. * Tonk district saw a remarkable 96.4% pass rate in Math, a 3% jump from the previous year. * The number of high-achieving students (scoring first division or higher) surged from 23% to over 28%. * Tonk's overall pass rate of 95% significantly outpaced the state average of 93%.
This isn't just about numbers; it's about building confidence, making learning engaging, and ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the tools to succeed. Saumya Jha now plans to expand this AI-enhanced learning to other subjects like English and Science. It's a shining example of how smart technology, combined with dedicated leadership, can truly transform education!
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