Sikkim Rolls Out AI-FunZone in 71 Government Schools for Classes 3 to 5

Sikkim has introduced an AI-supported learning programme in 71 government schools, aimed at strengthening foundational skills in reading, language and Mathematics among younger students. The initiative, called AI-FunZone, is being rolled out by the state Education department in the Khamdong, Nandok and Martam blocks of Gangtok district.

The programme covers students of Classes 3 to 5 and offers learning support in English, Nepali and Mathematics. It is being implemented in partnership with the EkStep Foundation, under a memorandum of understanding signed in April.

Daily Practice Sessions

Under the programme, students attend a 60-minute AI-FunZone class within the regular school day. Working on computers or shared devices, they take part in short practice sessions. The system is designed to listen to children as they read and flag the areas where they struggle, after which it assigns activities suited to their current learning level. In Mathematics, it can pinpoint the specific mistakes a student makes and build practice around those gaps.

The programme relies on computers, graphics, audio and interactive exercises to give students more chances to practise and build their skills.

Teachers at the Centre

The department has said teachers will remain central to the classroom, with AI playing a supporting role. A real-time dashboard allows teachers to follow the progress of each student and spot those who need additional help. Around 300 resource persons drawn from the three blocks have already been trained for the rollout.

According to the department, the programme avoids examinations, rankings or comparisons between students. Instead, AI-based assessments are meant to help teachers identify learning gaps and address them during ordinary classroom teaching.

Implementation Hurdles

Some schools have reported shortages of the equipment needed to run the programme, including computers or tablets, headsets and high-speed internet. The department said students and teachers have responded positively to the initiative, and that school heads have found it relatively easy to implement without much added administrative work.