States » EastPosted at: Sep 20 2026 6:18PM


AI turns learning into a daily game for Sikkim schoolchildren

Gangtok, Sep 20 (UNI) For hundreds of schoolchildren in the hills of Sikkim, learning English, Nepali and Mathematics is taking a new turn — with artificial intelligence becoming part of their regular school day.
The Education Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the EkStep Foundation, has begun implementing the AI-FunZone project in 71 government schools in the Khamdong, Nandok and Martam blocks of Gangtok district.
The pilot project, launched following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2026, covers around 2,100 students of Classes III, IV and V. The programme uses AI to provide children with short, daily and personalised practice according to their individual learning levels.
The idea is simple: instead of giving every child the same task, the technology identifies where a child needs help and adjusts the next activity accordingly.
In reading, AI can listen to a child and identify difficulties in decoding particular sounds. In Mathematics, it can identify specific errors and learning gaps and adapt subsequent exercises. Students can record, listen to and re-record their responses, allowing them to practise repeatedly without fear of embarrassment or failure.
The programme does not rank or compare children. It is designed to provide abundant practice and help children who may have fallen behind in foundational literacy and numeracy.
Teachers remain at the centre of the programme as facilitators. The AI-based practice is integrated into a 60-minute AI-FunZone class during the regular school day, rather than being treated as an additional class. A real-time dashboard enables teachers to see the progress of individual students and identify areas where they need support in the classroom.
Around 300 Resource Persons from the three blocks have already been trained for the initiative.
According to the Education Department, teachers have responded positively to the use of technology, graphics, audio and interactive activities, while students have shown enthusiasm for the play-way approach.
However, the programme also requires computers or tablets, headsets and high-speed internet. Some standalone primary and junior high schools have reported shortages of such digital infrastructure.
EkStep Foundation, a Bengaluru-based non-profit founded in 2015 by Nandan Nilekani, Rohini Nilekani and Shankar Maruwada, partners with public school systems to develop foundational literacy and numeracy solutions.
The Sikkim initiative seeks to make AI a support system for teachers — while giving children something equally important: more time, more practice and a more enjoyable way to learn.
UNI MBN NST RSA
Tags: #AI turns learning into a daily game for Sikkim schoolchildren
More News

Meghalaya : HYC demands tighter border vigil after 27 Bangladeshis nabbed in Assam

20 Sep 2026 | 9:11 PM

Shillong, Sep 20 (UNI) The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded the immediate reinforcement of surveillance along vulnerable stretches of the India-Bangladesh border, following the detention of 27 Bangladeshi nationals in Assam who crossed into Indian territory through the Dawki sector in Meghalaya.

see more..

Rs 300 Cr approved for aided schools: Education Minister

20 Sep 2026 | 9:05 PM

Patna, Sep 20 (UNI) Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari on Sunday said that the state government has approved Rs 300 crore for 1,294 aided schools for the benefit of teaching and non-teaching staff.

see more..

Odisha: Udayagiri Buddhist heritage site under probe over alleged illegal construction

20 Sep 2026 | 8:27 PM

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (UNI) The National Monuments Authority (NMA) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have launched an inquiry into alleged illegal construction and encroachment in the prohibited area of Odisha’s protected Udayagiri Buddhist archaeological complex, officials said on Sunday.

see more..

Odisha: OKCL holds influencer connect programme on AI, digital skills

20 Sep 2026 | 8:24 PM

Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (UNI) Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) on Sunday organised a one-day Influencer Connect programme to build participants’ understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), strengthen digital skills and promote collaboration among influencers and content creators.

see more..

Bengal Nursing homes under scanner: basements used for patients, registration details missing

20 Sep 2026 | 7:38 PM

Siliguri, Sep 20 (UNI) Patient safety, better treatment facilities and improved healthcare services have emerged as the primary focus of a surprise inspection of private nursing homes in Siliguri, with the Commission on Institutional Corruption in West Bengal identifying several shortcomings in infrastructure and patient amenities during visits since Saturday.

see more..