Schools grapple with digital deficit

LAHORE:

The Punjab government's ambition to make artificial intelligence (AI) part of classroom learning at the primary level has encountered a setback before the first lesson could begin.

Although education authorities have completed curriculum planning and announced the initiative as a landmark reform, the project remains in limbo because thousands of government schools lack the basic facilities needed to support the technology-based education.

The government's vision of introducing AI education from Grade I to V has faced challenges ranging from the absence of official implementation orders to a severe shortage of computers, internet connectivity, trained teachers and digital classrooms.

Officials associated with the project confirmed that while the Punjab Education Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) had finalised the academic framework, a formal notification required to launch the programme had not yet been issued. Without that approval, textbook development, printing schedules and classroom planning cannot move forward.

The delay has raised questions about whether policymakers had announced one of the country's most ambitious digital education initiatives before assessing the preparedness of the public school system.

Government record indicates that a large number of primary schools across Punjab operate without computer laboratories.

In many rural institutions, students have never worked on a computer, while unreliable electricity and weak internet access remain routine problems.

Education experts argue that introducing AI in such an environment risks creating a policy that exists on paper rather than in classrooms.

Sources say financial constraints have emerged as the biggest obstacle. Establishing computer laboratories, purchasing equipment and ensuring maintenance in. thousands of schools would require a major increase in development spending, making immediate implementation difficult.

The financial implications have prompted policymakers to explore alternative options.

One proposal under consideration is to embed introductory AI concepts within existing subjects instead of launching an independent discipline during the first phase.

Such an approach would allow students to develop digital awareness while the government gradually upgrades school infrastructure.

The delay also exposes a critical weakness of teacher preparedness.

"Most government primary schoolteachers have not received professional training in artificial intelligence, computational thinking or digital technologies. In such a situation, introducing a modern curriculum without investing in teachers could undermine the quality of learning and reduce AI education to theoretical discussions," commented a teacher, Tahira Jabeen.

Experts also argue that AI education at the primary level should focus on logical reasoning, responsible use of technology, creativity and problem solving instead of programming concepts. Achieving those objectives requires interactive classrooms, digital devices and practical activities that remain unavailable in a large number of government schools.

The provincial government has repeatedly highlighted AI as a cornerstone of its educational and digital transformation strategy.