New Delhi, February 19 More than 66 per cent of parents and teachers who are aware of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and its potential for learning believe that AI amplifies the risks associated with EdTech, such as overuse of technology and the spread of misinformation, according to a new report.
While 96 per cent of children using GenAI are leveraging it for school-related learning, 59 per cent are using it exclusively for schoolwork, the report, launched on the sidelines of the ongoing Impact AI Summit, stated.
The Bharat Survey for EdTech (BaSE) 2025 is the second edition of a comprehensive, nationwide survey conducted by Central Square Foundation (CSF). It provides insights into the access to and use of technology for teaching and learning among parents, children, learners, and teachers from low-income backgrounds in India.
The findings presented are based on a multi-stage random sample of 12,500 children selected from households across 10 states in India. Over 2,500 teachers were chosen for the survey in schools in the same states where the household survey was conducted.
In 56 per cent of surveyed households, the mother was the respondent, while in 37 per cent, the father was the primary respondent.
"Sixty-seven per cent of children using GenAI were introduced to it by their peers, while 46 per cent heard about it from school or teachers. The top reasons cited included easy-to-understand explanations (45 per cent), quick responses that save time (41 per cent), and the interactive nature of the tools (40 per cent)," the survey report said.
Ninety-six per cent of children using GenAI are leveraging it for school-related learning, with 59 per cent using it exclusively for schoolwork, the report stated.
"Eighty-four per cent of respondents reported improved learning outcomes from using GenAI tools. Sixty-six per cent of respondents who are aware of GenAI's potential for learning reported that AI amplifies risks from EdTech use. The top risks cited included overuse of technology (77 EdTech) and the spread of misinformation (47 EdTech)," the report added.
According to the survey, 81 per cent of children are aware that technology can be used for learning. However, rural children and younger children are less likely to be aware of EdTech. Seventy-seven per cent of rural children are aware compared to 87 per cent of urban children, it found.
"Sixty-eight per cent of children in grades 1-5 are aware, compared to 86 per cent in grades 6-8 and 94 per cent in grades 9-12. Sixty-three per cent of children use technology for learning. Just 5 per cent have discontinued the use of EdTech after using it in the past, and 14 per cent are aware of EdTech but have never used it," the survey said.
The top reasons for non-usage despite awareness included a lack of know-how in selecting and operating technology and devices (45 per cent) and device or internet-related issues (40 per cent).
Fifty-eight per cent of EdTech-using children use it daily, while 36 per cent use it a few times a week. Older children and non-government schoolchildren are more likely to use EdTech daily. Also, 63 per cent of children in grades 9-12 use it daily, compared to 57 per cent in grades 6-8 and 52 per cent in grades 1-5, according to the report.
"Sixty-one per cent of private school-going children use EdTech daily, compared to 55 per cent of government school-going children. Nearly four out of five (79 per cent) EdTech-using children started using EdTech during or after the COVID-19 pandemic. Children typically first adopted EdTech on the recommendation of school or teachers (63 per cent), friends and classmates (58 per cent) or relatives (23 per cent)," the report said.
"Children continue to use EdTech because they believe it helps them achieve better learning outcomes (49 per cent), prepares them for the future (43 per cent), and is easy and convenient to use (42 per cent)," the report added.