‘AI is a game-changer for the education sector’

Apeejay School of Management recently hosted an enlightening session with Mr. Shreeram Iyer, the author of AI for Everyone, under the leadership of Dr. Rahul Singh, Director of the institution. Renowned for his entrepreneurial acumen, Mr. Iyer has co-founded multiple AI startups with successful exits and served in leadership roles such as Country Head at EY for Startup Business and Vice President at T-Hub, Telangana’s premier startup ecosystem. With an impressive academic background in finance, venture capital, and business valuation, he is a prominent voice in AI, education, and innovation.

During the session, Mr. Iyer shared insights into his book, written to demystify AI for a broader audience by illustrating its everyday applications. Dr. Shalini Vermani, Area Chair Business Analytics, inquired about the sectors that Mr Iyer has covered in his book on which he highlighted that the book uncovers AI’s application in sectors such as healthcare, IT, and education, sparking engaging discussions with the faculty. Dr. Srirang Jha, Area Chair General Management, discussed the impact of AI on the Job Market specially how Gen Z would be impacted. In response to this query, he emphasised AI’s role as a facilitator, enabling efficiency and promoting work-life balance, particularly resonating with Gen Z’s preference for streamlined workflows over traditional office hours.

The interaction also explored how AI tools like chatbots, predictive analytics, and adaptive learning platforms can transform education. Faculty members expressed appreciation for Mr. Iyer’s ability to simplify complex concepts, providing actionable strategies to integrate AI into academia.

Dr. Rahul Singh Director, concluded “With valuable takeaways from this session we all must work on fostering critical thinking, innovation, and ethical responsibility in students, ensuring they are prepared for a dynamic, AI-driven future.”

Faculty members extended heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Shreeram Iyer and Dr. Rahul Singh for facilitating this impactful dialogue. The institution looks forward to fostering more such collaborations to advance academic excellence and innovation.

Subsequently, Dr. Preeti Suryawanshi, Associate Professor and Area Chair Marketing at Apeejay School of Management, engaged in a conversation with Mr. Shreeram Iyer. Here is the edited excerpt: 

1. What inspired you to write AI for Everyone, and how did you and your co-author approach simplifying such a complex topic for readers from diverse backgrounds?

Our inspiration came from a decade of working with AI and witnessing its transformative potential across industries and everyday life. We realised that AI is no longer confined to research labs or tech companies; it has already permeated people’s lives through mobile apps and smart devices. However, there is still a gap in understanding AI—what it is, how it works, and how it can be leveraged.

We wanted to bridge this gap by creating a resource that could cater to everyone, from college students curious about the technology to business decision-makers aiming to use it strategically. The idea was to help readers understand AI in a simple, engaging way so they could appreciate its applications and opportunities.

To achieve this, we broke down complex concepts into relatable examples and avoided technical jargon. For instance, instead of diving into algorithms, we explained AI as a tool that learns patterns and makes predictions, much like how a music app recommends songs based on your listening history.

2. How do you see AI transforming the education sector, particularly in enhancing teaching methodologies and administrative processes?

AI is a game-changer for the education sector, with applications that span teaching, learning, and administration.

Enhanced Teaching Methodologies: AI-powered tools enable teachers to prepare lesson plans quickly and efficiently, leveraging authentic, up-to-date resources. Platforms like ChatGPT can assist educators in crafting engaging content tailored to different learning styles, fostering a more inclusive classroom environment.

Example: Tools like Khan Academy’s AI tutor help personalize learning experiences for students, adapting to their pace and areas of struggle.

Student Self-Learning: AI opens up opportunities for students to learn independently through interactive platforms. Duolingo, for instance, uses AI to create adaptive language-learning experiences that keep learners motivated.

Streamlined Assessments: AI can generate diverse question banks, grade answer sheets, and provide instant feedback. This automation allows teachers to focus on mentoring and research instead of administrative tasks. Example: Tools like Gradescope use AI to evaluate assignments and exams quickly, ensuring consistent and unbiased grading.

Administrative Efficiency: AI can simplify admissions, student performance tracking, and resource management. Example: Universities like Georgia State have used AI chatbots to reduce summer enrollment attrition by proactively addressing students’ queries.

3. What role can AI play in improving governance and ensuring more transparency and efficiency in public administration?

AI has immense potential to revolutionise governance by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and service delivery:

Data-Driven Decision-Making: AI can analyse vast datasets to identify patterns and improve resource allocation. For example, creating “Family IDs” could map out the beneficiaries of government schemes, ensuring resources reach those in genuine need.

Example: Estonia’s e-Residency program uses AI for seamless citizen services, minimising bureaucratic delays.

Disaster Preparedness: AI can predict extreme weather events, helping governments prepare better disaster response strategies and save lives.

Example: IBM’s Weather Company uses AI to forecast hurricanes, enabling early evacuation plans.

Fraud Prevention: AI can detect anomalies in government expenditure, healthcare claims, or welfare distribution, reducing corruption and inefficiency.

Example: India’s Aadhar-linked AI systems detect and prevent fake beneficiaries in welfare programs.

Optimised Public Services: From managing traffic congestion through AI-driven smart systems to improving agricultural productivity by predicting weather and optimising irrigation, the applications are vast.

Example: Singapore’s AI-based traffic management system has significantly reduced commute times and enhanced road safety.

4. As someone deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in leveraging AI to innovate and solve real-world problems?

Aspiring entrepreneurs should focus on identifying genuine, impactful problems before integrating AI into their solutions. As Ratan Tata wisely said, businesses should aim to create a difference. Entrepreneurs should ask themselves:

Is there a real problem to solve? Ensure the problem resonates with a large enough audience who are willing to pay for the solution.How can AI amplify your solution? Once the problem is clear, leverage AI to enhance efficiency, personalisation, and scalability.

Steps to Leverage AI

Customer Validation: Use AI to conduct surveys and gather feedback from prospective users, ensuring your product aligns with their needs.

Market Analysis: AI tools like Crayon or Tableau can analyse market trends, customer preferences, and competition.

Operational Efficiency: AI can help design websites, create marketing collateral, and automate customer interactions. Example: Startups like Grammarly and Notion have successfully used AI to enhance productivity and simplify tasks for their users.

Ultimately, entrepreneurs should treat AI as an enabler—a tool that enhances their vision rather than overshadowing the core purpose of their business.