THE NCERT has made extensive use of AI to launch a digital companion for parents and teachers. The objective behind its new app is to enable the adults to explain any subject comprehensively to children below eight.

The ‘e-Jaadui Patra’ app has been equipped with three AI bots which provide instant answers to any query posed to it in the language of one’s choice. The bots are billed as ‘Teacher Tara’, ‘Parent Tara’ and ‘Katha Saki’.

“We had developed a physical Jaadui Jatra box measuring 2 feet by 2 feet during 2022-2023. Schools or any of the stakeholders interested had to buy it at ₹11,000. It was useful for children as it contains 56 items in it including Moppets, charts, maps, flash cards, games to make learning a lively experience for children,” an NCERT official told this newspaper.

A decision was taken later to make it available on the digital form to ensure ease of access for all. “Since AI is being used, the volumes it can generate on any topic are enormous. The Katha Saki app, for instance, can generate lakhs of stories per day also if one wants. To cite just one instance, parents can ask it to generate a new bedtime story every night for their children,” the official said.

Updated textbook likely to be released in a week

The updated NCERT Social Science book for Class VIII might be released within a week. The book, released on February 24, created controversy for its chapter on the judiciary and was removed from sales the following day and later banned from sale in any form by the Supreme Court.

The “Teacher Tara” bot guides teachers to explain any topic in a simplified and interesting method for children. “There are classes which have students with disabilities. If the teachers asks the bot how to teach something to a child with say, a visual impairment, it will guide the tutor step by step. The source for the knowledge shared is completely reliable and is based on NCERT books,” the official said.