Atal revolution stood poised on the cusp of transforming our world. However, the unforeseen events of 2020 served as a powerful catalyst, accelerating this transformation at an unprecedented pace.
Today, we find ourselves in a landscape redefined by cutting-edge technology. These advancements have permeated every aspect of our lives, becoming not just ubiquitous, but indispensable.

When COVID-19 led to the shutdown of schools, over 1.2 billion children were out of the classrooms globally. This saw education change dramatically, with a distinctive rise in online learning. What started as an existential solution for academic institutions has become crucial for imparting education now. Adopting technology and digital tools such as virtual tutoring, video conferencing tools, or online learning software in higher education has, in a way, globalised and democratised the knowledge-gaining process, making learning more accessible.

Students are increasingly accessing these online tools to acquire new skills. Indeed, the number of students attending online courses has seen a vast jump over the last few years. While the number of hybrid and distance-only students at traditional universities increased by 36% between 2012 and 2019, this growth rapidly accelerated by an additional 92% in 2020. E-learning has had far-reaching
impact on liberal education. Liberal education offers a well-rounded and expansive intellectual grounding essential to the all-round development of students. It teaches them how to think rather than what to think.

The availability of the course in online mode has only further increased its accessibility and importance, creating opportunities for students from a wide range of backgrounds and encouraging an inclusive and diverse learning environment.

The emergence of generative AI presents a transformative opportunity for the future of learning and teaching. The jobroles of an educator are multifaceted and require meticulous planning, crafting engaging assignments, developing assessment rubrics, and even conducting research and authoring papers and presentations. Generative AI tools can become invaluable allies in this endeavour, empowering
educators to reclaim precious time and refocus on the core principles of each subject. For instance, AI-powered tools that generate creative assignment ideas, draft comprehensive course plans or even personalise learning materials in real-time.

Such advancements could free up some time from the tight schedules of faculty members, allowing them to provide more in-depth, personalised feedback to students - a cornerstone of effective learning. One could Generative Al allows students to pursue their interests and passions while receiving personalised support and feedback. On the other hand, it will support educators in creating dynamic and
engaging learning environments that stimulate intellectual curiosity and foster deeper engagement. envision a classroom where an exam is administered, and students receive immediate results alongside tailored feedback based on their performance. This newfound efficiency would enable educators to shift their focus towards fostering a stimulating learning environment that ignites intellectual curiosity
and empowers students to reach their full potential.

Generative Al can be a game-changer for both educators and students. For students, AI unlocks a universe of Knowledge sources, enriching the learning experience. The advancement of technology has also revealed opportunities that will complement traditional pedagogical methods and enhance the teaching-learning experience in liberal education programmes. 

Author: Dr. Dishan Kamdar, Vice-Chancellor, FLAME University