Intel and Times of India launch ‘The Learning Curve’ to address digital trust gap in classrooms

New Delhi: Intel, in collaboration with The Times of India, has launched The Learning Curve, a nationwide initiative that explores how Indian parents and educators engage with the growing presence of technology, particularly AI and personal computers, in classrooms. 

At a time when over 248 million school students (Economic Survey 2024–25) contend with both academic pressure and unequal access to digital infrastructure, the campaign steps into a critical gap in public understanding.

Despite incremental digital advancement, access remains limited across India’s school ecosystem. According to UDISE Plus 2023–24, only 57.2% of schools have functional computers, and 53.9% are equipped with internet access. Meanwhile, concerns around screen time, misinformation, distraction, and the role of AI in replacing human instruction persist among many parents.

The Learning Curve draws from survey data involving over 100,000 parents and educators, alongside expert voices and real-life stories, to explore how technology can be introduced into classrooms more meaningfully and responsibly.

A central insight from the campaign is the mindset gap around technology. While a majority of parents acknowledge its potential, 55% still associate AI with risks to children’s critical thinking.

Nearly one in three parents highlight academic stress as a major issue, and 43% are actively seeking expert direction on how best to integrate technology into their child’s learning journey. The Learning Curve surfaces these complexities without glossing over the tension between curiosity and caution.

The initiative features perspectives from several Indian parents and educators, including well-known figures such as Soha Ali Khan, Kranti Redkar, and Prithi Ashwin, who share their experiences raising children in a technology-driven world.

From managing screen time to encouraging independent exploration through interactive content, their stories reflect a wide range of parental responses. Their contributions bring authenticity and vulnerability to a discussion often framed by extremes.

Survey findings indicate that 66% of parents believe technology can support their child’s education if used thoughtfully. Rather than outright resistance, the findings suggest a widespread demand for clarity, reassurance, and guidance from credible voices.

This trust gap is a key focus for the campaign, which also features frontline educators like Ranjitsinh Disale, winner of the 2020 Global Teacher Prize. Known for introducing QR-coded textbooks in rural Maharashtra, Disale advocates for digital tools that are purpose-driven and adapted to local needs. His participation reinforces the campaign’s argument that technology can strengthen rather than replace the role of teachers, when thoughtfully deployed.

Framed within India’s broader educational priorities under the National Education Policy 2020, The Learning Curve also speaks to the global movement for digital inclusion. The AI-in-education sector in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow at nearly 40% CAGR, suggesting that infrastructural improvements alone will not be sufficient unless accompanied by public understanding and acceptance.

The campaign is designed to be both emotive and informative, offering explainer videos, parental guides, and stories in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and English. This multilingual approach is intended to make the conversation accessible across geographies. Content is now available on The Times of India’s digital platforms and social channels.

“Technology is now the bedrock of education. It’s democratising access to learning, enabling personalised experiences, and connecting students and educators like never before,” said Santhosh Viswanathan, Managing Director of Intel India. “At Intel, we align with UNESCO’s view that digital technologies are evolving into integrated networks, forming the infrastructure of modern learning. To truly harness this power, we must prioritise areas like digital infrastructure, AI-based learning tools, and intelligent tutoring systems. 

However, we also need a critical mindset shift. Computers are still seen as distractions, and rote learning is deeply ingrained. With only 57% of Indian schools equipped with functional computers and 53% with internet access (as per the UDISE report), this gap must be urgently addressed.”