15-day training programme on "Artificial Intelligence for Teachers" begins at Ambedkar University

STRENGTHENING DIGITAL COMPETENCIES AMONG TEACHERS WITH AI

— BRAOU VC Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani

• Digital labs to be set up in all schools soon:                                                                             - School Education Department Commissioner and Director, Naveen Nicholas, IAS

Hyderabad, August 20, 2026: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the field of education, said Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani. The training programme on "Artificial Intelligence for Teachers," organised by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, the Digital Education Academy, and the Telangana Government School Education Department, was inaugurated on Thursday, with University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani attending as chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani said that rapid changes are taking place in the field of education, and that there is a need to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use emerging technology, including Artificial Intelligence, in teaching and learning processes. He explained that this programme is a crucial step forward in strengthening digital competencies among teachers and in promoting technology-based education in Telangana. He revealed that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University has recently brought about several modern changes in digital education and technology, and that special programmes have been designed keeping in mind the needs of the School Education Department. He announced that the distance university would soon be transformed into a digital university. He also commended the steps being taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Sri Revanth Reddy for strengthening the state's education system and for providing the necessary infrastructure, as well as the encouragement being extended to the university.

Speaking as guest of honour, Telangana Government School Education Department Commissioner and Director Dr. Naveen Nicholas, IAS, said that AI-based tools can significantly help teachers in areas such as lesson planning, digital content creation, assessment, and learning, and can further improve the quality of education. He announced that ICT labs would be set up in all primary and upper-primary schools across the state in the coming days. He also stated that special training in school administration would soon be provided to headmasters of all schools. He noted that headmasters have to spend a lot of time on school administration, which increases their workload considerably, and explained that training in the use of AI could help them achieve good results in much less time. He announced that workbooks would be provided to all students from class VI to class X starting this academic year. He also stated that, matching private schools in every respect, government school students are being provided complete uniforms on a scale not seen elsewhere. He revealed that several key decisions are being taken and implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Sri Revanth Reddy to strengthen the state's education system. He advised that, in keeping with the changing needs of the education system, teachers need to continuously upgrade their skills in modern technology. He explained that through this programme, teachers would gain insights into AI tools and their applications in education through this special training, with the goal of preparing teachers to use AI responsibly and effectively in areas such as classroom teaching, digital content development, assessment, and learner support. Open School Society Director Sri Hari also participated in the programme.

The programme was presided over by Prof. G. Pushpa Chakrapani, Director of the University's Centre for Online Education and Learning (COEL). Speaking on the occasion, she said that teachers need to enhance their technical knowledge in keeping with changing modern circumstances. She noted that the importance of Artificial Intelligence is growing by the day, but advised that AI must be used with utmost care and responsibility, in a manner that benefits society. Prof. G. Pushpa Chakrapani announced that more courses would be made available in the coming days. Technical expert and Programme Coordinator Sushmana Rao explained the details of the programme and the topics to be covered during the 15-day training. University Registrar Dr. L. Vijay Krishna Reddy also participated in the programme and proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was attended by trainers Kurmanath, Bhanu Sri, Prof. Pallavi Kabde, Dr. Y. Venkateswarlu, and N.C. Venu Gopal, along with 1509 teachers working in various government schools from all districts across the state, as well as university faculty members.