Ben Gomes, Google’s Chief Technologist for Learning and Sustainability, says AI can make the vast digital world a tailored journey of discovery for billions.
Learning, Gomes explains, rests on three pillars: cognitive content, emotional drive, and social interaction. AI strengthens all three. Cognitive learning, traditionally delivered via textbooks and lectures, is now personalised with tools like NotebookLM, where students can upload their syllabus or research materials to create a custom learning assistant.
AI also boosts the emotional aspect of learning by following a student’s curiosity and interest. “It pulls you forward towards your curiosity,” Gomes said, turning learning from a task into an engaging process of exploration. Features like Guided Learning in Google’s Gemini prompt students to work through problems instead of providing direct answers, fostering critical thinking.
Despite AI’s growing role, Gomes emphasises that it is an assistant, not a replacement. Teachers remain essential, guiding curiosity and providing context. AI handles content delivery and pacing, allowing educators more time to inspire and mentor students.
Challenges remain, including the digital divide, as access to AI tools depends on hardware. Gomes notes that technology has historically expanded access to knowledge. In India, for example, 800 million people have online access. Google is also expanding accessibility through Gemini, which supports nine Indian languages and offers live translation and captioning to reduce language barriers.
Gomes concludes that AI in education is about enhancing existing learning systems. It provides personalised content, ignites curiosity, and supports social interactions with mentors and peers. The ultimate goal is to guide students on an active journey of discovery, ensuring success not just in exams but in lifelong learning.
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