Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a part of our everyday lives. From smart assistants in homes to automated systems in offices, AI is transforming how we live and work. The education sector, too, is witnessing this change, and for regions like Northeast India, AI presents a powerful opportunity to bridge learning gaps and empower teachers.
India is among the global leaders in AI development. According to the Stanford AI Index Report 2024, India ranks #1 worldwide in AI skill penetration, reflecting the rapid spread of AI capabilities across its workforce. However, when observing work practices in both government and private sectors, it is safe to assume that representation from the Northeast region is minimal, highlighting a growing digital and skill divide that needs urgent attention.
In recent years, both central and state governments, along with several organizations, have made notable progress in advancing AI across the region, for example, the Centre’s plan to establish 10 Data and AI laboratories and the introduction of LiVi AI by NagaEd in Nagaland. Yet, participation from the Northeast in India’s broader AI ecosystem remains comparatively small. This makes it essential to create awareness and provide skill-based AI education, especially for the youth who will soon join the national workforce. Empowering them with AI literacy can play a vital role in the economic and social development of the region.
Of the several elements that can influence this transformation, teachers can make one of the most significant contributions. They not only impart academic knowledge but also foster intellectual curiosity, develop critical thinking skills, and nurture character, confidence, and creativity. By integrating AI tools into their teaching methods, they can help students not only harness the power of AI but also understand its ethical and practical implications. In this way, teachers become both guides and catalysts for digital empowerment.
To begin this journey, here are a few AI-powered tools that can assist teachers in classroom management, content creation, and creative instruction. These tools are free and can be used even in smartphones which is a big advantage for schools and colleges where technological resources are limited. While they do carry some risks such as poorly verified citations and content, these platforms can still simplify lesson planning, enhance student engagement, and introduce learners to the real-world use of AI.
ChatGPT / Perplexity / Gemini
AI conversational tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini can serve as virtual teaching assistants. They help teachers generate lesson plans, quiz questions, and activity ideas within seconds, saving valuable preparation time. For educators in remote areas of the Northeast, where access to updated teaching materials is often limited, these tools offer instant explanations and contextual examples for any subject. They can also translate or simplify content for multilingual classrooms, promoting inclusivity.
NotebookLM
NotebookLM is an AI-powered note-taking and summarizing assistant by Google. Teachers can upload reading materials, research articles, or policy documents, and the tool generates concise summaries and key insights. Recordings of meetings and lectures can also be uploaded to create important minutes or notes, which can later be shared with other party.
Canva
Canva is an intuitive design platform that allows teachers to create visually appealing lesson slides, posters, and infographics. Even with limited design experience, educators can produce engaging classroom visuals and learning materials that capture students’ attention. For schools in rural or semi-urban parts, Canva helps bring creativity and digital expression into classrooms without the need for expensive software or technical expertise.
Flippity
Flippity transforms simple Google Sheets into interactive educational games, quizzes, and flashcards. This tool encourages active learning and student participation, which can be vital in classrooms where engagement levels are low due to traditional teaching methods. By using Flippity, teachers can make lessons more playful and memorable, fostering curiosity and motivation among students.
Notta
Notta is an AI-powered transcription and speech-to-text tool that converts spoken words into written text in real time. This can be a game changer for teachers and students with hearing or physical disabilities, allowing them to follow lessons and discussions more effectively. Teachers can also use Notta to record and transcribe lectures, creating digital notes that students can review later. It is a valuable resource in areas where internet connectivity is inconsistent or live sessions are difficult to attend.
As AI becomes an integral part of modern education, empowering teachers in the Northeast with AI literacy and digital tools can create a ripple effect that transforms the entire region’s learning ecosystem. However to realize this vision, the government must invest in awareness and training program for teachers at all level, along with providing technological resources such as smart devices and internet connectivity. Recent report suggest that many schools especially in rural areas still lacks basic digital infrastructures making it difficult to implement basic digital learning for the students. Therefore, addressing these issues and equipping our teachers with the right tools, training and support, they can surely prepare the youth of the Northeast for a smarter more connected tomorrow.
Amos Bortiew
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of AIML&DS, Christ University, Bangalore.
Saturday, November 15, 2025