Core Engineering Disciplines Unreplaceable by AI: IIT Mandi Director
The Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Laxmidhar Behera, asserts that artificial intelligence (AI) is not currently advanced enough to effectively educate students on scientific concepts and possibilities. Behera argues that since we have a limited understanding of our own cognitive processes, creating an AI system for education is challenging. He emphasizes that AI merely collects information from vast datasets and lacks innate cognitive understanding.
Behera highlights that AI systems do not possess inherent cognitive abilities; instead, they rely on their extensive architecture and databases to accomplish tasks. He argues against the notion that AI can replace core engineering disciplines, stating that even with AI, engineers still need a solid conceptual foundation. Behera believes that AI can enhance certain aspects but cannot replace the fundamental knowledge required in fields like structural engineering.
In response to the ongoing debate about reimagining education in the AI era, Behera suggests that a complete overhaul of the curriculum is imprudent. He contends that AI cannot replace the need for skilled engineers with a strong conceptual understanding, essential for tasks like building earthquake-resistant structures. Behera sees the current emphasis on AI as a hype that will eventually have its own limitations and a finite duration.
Behera discusses the expansion plans for IIT Mandi, outlining a strategy to increase faculty strength to over 300 and student enrollment to over 5,000 within the next five years. The institute plans to construct additional facilities, including a hostel for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) students, new hostel blocks, an academic block, and a lecture hall complex. The financial support for these projects comes from the Ministry of Education through an HEFA loan amounting to ₹333 crores.
The final paragraph highlights recent developments at IIT Mandi, including the introduction of four new BTech and BS programs and joint degree programs with other national institutes. Behera emphasizes the institute's commitment to growth by expanding infrastructure and academic offerings, with the goal of accommodating a larger student population and enhancing educational opportunities.
Behera highlights that AI systems do not possess inherent cognitive abilities; instead, they rely on their extensive architecture and databases to accomplish tasks. He argues against the notion that AI can replace core engineering disciplines, stating that even with AI, engineers still need a solid conceptual foundation. Behera believes that AI can enhance certain aspects but cannot replace the fundamental knowledge required in fields like structural engineering.
In response to the ongoing debate about reimagining education in the AI era, Behera suggests that a complete overhaul of the curriculum is imprudent. He contends that AI cannot replace the need for skilled engineers with a strong conceptual understanding, essential for tasks like building earthquake-resistant structures. Behera sees the current emphasis on AI as a hype that will eventually have its own limitations and a finite duration.
Behera discusses the expansion plans for IIT Mandi, outlining a strategy to increase faculty strength to over 300 and student enrollment to over 5,000 within the next five years. The institute plans to construct additional facilities, including a hostel for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) students, new hostel blocks, an academic block, and a lecture hall complex. The financial support for these projects comes from the Ministry of Education through an HEFA loan amounting to ₹333 crores.
The final paragraph highlights recent developments at IIT Mandi, including the introduction of four new BTech and BS programs and joint degree programs with other national institutes. Behera emphasizes the institute's commitment to growth by expanding infrastructure and academic offerings, with the goal of accommodating a larger student population and enhancing educational opportunities.
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