Empowering Students for a Tech-Driven Future: NextGenKids President Shares Insights

Guwahati: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed people's lives by enhancing efficiency, automating tasks, and improving decision-making across various sectors, including healthcare and education. It has also created new job opportunities for the youth. However, the technology has raised concerns about privacy, ethical challenges and job displacement. 

Business North East (BNE) conducted an exclusive interview with the President of NextGenKids, Manajit Barman, who highlighted the importance of Artificial Intelligence and its applications for high school students.

Here are the excerpts from the Q&A interview:

BNE: Why educate children on AI?

Manajit Barman: I grew up in a small village in Assam, where access to quality education did not exist, and nearly 50 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line. Today, I am fortunate to live in one of the world's most advanced cities in the USA, with cutting-edge, modernised school systems. Having experienced both - the lowest and highest points of life, I deeply understand the challenges schools face, particularly in Assam and the Northeast. 

AI is transforming the way we live and work, making it crucial to expose young minds to its potential early on. By learning AI, students gain critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills while exploring innovative applications—from building chatbots to solving global challenges like healthcare and climate change. Understanding AI's ethical implications also fosters responsible use, ensuring societal benefit. This initiative is not just about teaching technology. It is about igniting curiosity, building future-ready skills, and empowering the next generation to create a better, more equitable world through AI.

BNE: Tell us about the webinar for school students (class 7 onwards). 

Manajit Barman: The webinar "Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Its Applications for High School Students" has been designed to introduce young learners to the captivating world of AI and its transformative potential. It focuses on simplifying complex concepts, starting with the fundamentals of AI, including how machines mimic human intelligence to learn, solve problems, and make decisions. 

The session explored AI's real-world applications in healthcare, transportation and entertainment to showcase its relevance and impact. Participants gained a solid foundational understanding of AI, sparking curiosity and equipping them to explore the field further. This initiative aimed to inspire high school students and nurture future innovators in technology. 

BNE: How can students learn AI for career growth or entrepreneurship scope in the future?

Manajit Barman: Students can learn Artificial Intelligence (AI) to unlock exciting career opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures by building foundational skills in programming (e.g., Python), mathematics, and AI concepts like machine learning and neural networks. Gaining practical experience through projects and competitions, such as our international AI cohort starting February 1, 2025 (register here), is essential. Networking, mentorship, and internships can help students explore roles like AI Engineer or Data Scientist. Additionally, understanding ethical AI principles ensures the creation of fair and responsible solutions, paving the way for impactful careers.

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BNE: As many students are inclined to use AI these days for writing their assignments or projects, what checks are you using to tell them to avoid it?

Manajit Barman: Encouraging students to use AI responsibly for assignments and projects is essential to foster their growth and maintain academic integrity. We encourage developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills and explain how over-reliance on AI can hinder learning. Clearly outline plagiarism policies and educate students on using AI as a supportive tool for brainstorming and refining ideas, not as a substitute for creativity or effort. Implement review processes like draft submissions and oral presentations to track progress and understanding and train students to evaluate AI-generated content for accuracy and ethics. We utilise AI-detection tools to flag unoriginal submissions and promote accountability. Incorporate hands-on assessments, such as debates or in-class activities, to encourage originality and teamwork. Finally, reward creativity and effort while showcasing exemplary student-driven projects to inspire others.

BNE: Elon Musk openly admitted that AI is dangerous and could take all our jobs. So, how are you addressing this concern with students? 

Manajit Barman: Elon Musk's concerns about AI underscore its transformative potential and inherent risks, making it essential to teach students a balanced perspective on its dangers and ethical considerations. We educate them on algorithmic bias, privacy threats, and job displacement while emphasising ethical AI practices such as fairness and transparency. Students learn to collaborate with AI tools responsibly, understand the importance of governance and regulation, and adapt to evolving job markets through critical thinking and creativity. By exploring real-world case studies and focusing on roles that require uniquely human traits, we prepare students to navigate AI's challenges and opportunities responsibly.

BNE: Will students have a safe space in the future?

Manajit Barman: By equipping students with ethical, technical, and adaptive skills, we aim to prepare them for a future where they can lead AI advancements responsibly. Safe spaces will depend on societal choices, regulations, and the accountability of AI creators. Empowering today's learners with knowledge and critical thinking will help ensure AI serves humanity positively and fairly.

BNE: Can you share specific examples of how Next Gen Kids has collaborated with corporations to navigate AI/ML projects and what outcomes have resulted from these partnerships?

Manajit Barman: NextGenKidsAI has been actively collaborating with schools worldwide to teach artificial intelligence (AI) and its real-world applications. Over the past three years, we have hosted both onsite and virtual AI/ML workshops in schools across the globe, including the YMCA of Boston, USA, to empower young minds in exploring this transformative field. We conducted interactive workshops and lessons, helping students understand AI's impact and foster innovative and critical thinking while emphasising its responsible use. Our programs provide a strong foundation in AI concepts, inspiring curiosity and equipping students with the skills to further explore this dynamic field. We aim to ignite a passion for technology and nurture the next generation of innovators through these initiatives. Many students even developed AI-enabled mobile apps, showcasing their creativity and newly acquired skills.

BNE: How does Next Gen Kids ensure that its AI curriculum remains accessible and engaging for students from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of prior knowledge?

Manajit Barman: The curriculum we offer is customised to learning pathways, catering to beginners and advanced learners alike while incorporating hands-on projects, workshops, and real-world applications to keep students engaged. By showcasing AI's relevance across fields like finance, healthcare, environment, and arts, the program appeals to a wide range of interests. Concepts are introduced gradually with relatable examples and videos, ensuring clarity and understanding. Culturally responsive teaching, personalised mentorship, and collaborative group activities create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Additionally, gamified elements such as challenges and rewards add an element of fun and motivation. Together, these strategies empower students to explore the world of AI, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation.

BNE: In what ways do you measure the success and impact of your programs on students' understanding and application of AI concepts?

Manajit Barman: NextGenKids evaluates the success and impact of its programs on students' understanding and application of AI concepts through a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. Hands-on projects like building AI models or applications showcase their ability to apply concepts to real-world problems during pre and post-program evaluations to measure their improvement in knowledge and skills. Success is further reflected in their ability to create AI-enabled solutions, participate in hackathons, or address real-world challenges.
 
BNE: How do you foresee the role of AI evolving in educational settings over the next decade, and what steps are Next Gen Kids taking to stay ahead of these trends?

Manajit Barman: Over the next decade, AI is poised to revolutionise education by personalising learning experiences, automating administrative tasks, and making high-quality education accessible to all. AI-powered tools will adapt content to individual student needs, provide tailored learning pathways, and support with virtual tutors and intelligent chatbots. Immersive technologies like AI-driven augmented and virtual reality will make complex subjects more engaging, while automation will streamline tasks like grading and curriculum planning, allowing teachers to focus more on student engagement. To stay ahead of these trends, NextGenKids integrates cutting-edge AI advancements into its curriculum, emphasises hands-on learning with real-world applications, and equips educators with AI knowledge to enhance teaching strategies. The organisation promotes ethical AI practices, partners with industry leaders such as https://ai-4-all.org, and ensures inclusivity by making AI education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. 

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BNE: How do you approach building sustainable relationships with corporations, local communities, and schools to promote AI/ML education, and what strategies have proven most effective?

Manajit Barman: Building sustainable relationships with corporations, local communities, and schools to promote AI/ML education requires collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to empowering students. NextGenKids achieves this by engaging stakeholders to understand their unique needs, tailoring programs to address local priorities, and co-creating initiatives that align with their needs. Partnerships with tech companies provide funding, mentorship, and real-world opportunities for students, while teacher training and resources help schools sustain AI education independently. Community engagement through workshops and outreach fosters awareness and excitement, and a focus on inclusion ensures programs reach underrepresented groups. By measuring success through student outcomes and showcasing impact, NextGenKids builds trust and inspires continued collaboration, creating long-term partnerships that drive innovation and empower the next generation in a technology-driven future.

BNE: How do you balance the rapid advancements in AI technology with the need to provide foundational knowledge to students, ensuring they are well-prepared for future developments?

Manajit Barman: Balancing rapid advancements in AI technology with the need to provide foundational knowledge requires a strategic approach that combines timeless fundamentals with exposure to emerging trends. NextGenKids achieves this by focusing on core concepts like programming, mathematics, and key AI principles—ensuring students have a solid base to adapt to any future advancements. Simultaneously, the curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest developments, such as generative AI, ethical AI, and cutting-edge tools, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world applications.