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—By Nishtha Shukla Anand

Placing AI at the frontier of education is no longer a choice — it’s a necessity. AI exists in almost every part of our lives already — whether you're searching online, looking for answers, collecting data, or even renovating your home, you’ll find AI in action.

In fact, knowing AI is not just about prompt engineering. It’s about recognising where AI is at work and learning how to use it to your advantage. I recall the 1980s, when schools began introducing computer literacy, often reluctantly. It was a side subject that lacked the rigour and enthusiasm we see today. But its very presence helped people transition into a digital world of personal computers, smartphones, and social media, almost like fish taking to water.

Why AI Belongs In The Classroom

Simply put, AI now needs to be taught in schools and colleges. It is as important as Math and English today. Students must learn how to communicate effectively with AI if they want to succeed in the future. And this is important for three simple reasons: AI helps you learn faster, gather information more efficiently, and present ideas with clarity.

AI is set to shape the learning experience for students today, especially those drawn to engineering and related fields. Classrooms can no longer stop at teaching equations. Failing to grasp the pros and cons of AI could have widespread implications for students.

Since we live in a world that is often shaped by manipulation, it is important to recognise the signs of AI content so as to shield students from being gullible. A recent study published by Microsoft states: "Overreliance, defined as 'users accepting incorrect recommendations, i.e., making errors of commission', is closely related to (the lack of) critical thinking." An MIT study, too, found that the increased use of Gen.AI was making teenagers dumb. 

Thus, in an environment where teens are turning to ChatGPT for even relationship advice, classrooms must teach students how to safely interact with intelligent systems to generate ideas, build concepts, and explore solutions that go beyond what’s expected. Just as algebra lays the foundation for problem-solving, prompt engineering is becoming a new kind of literacy — one that will prepare students for a very different future.

Prompt Engineering As A Thinking Skill

The right kind of prompt engineering teaches students to ask better questions, frame problems clearly, and guide AI systems toward useful outcomes. Far from diminishing critical thinking, it pushes students to think smarter.

In a world increasingly powered by large language models, the ability to write clear, structured prompts is not just useful — it’s essential. Prompt engineering isn’t just as important as math; it’s also as important as language. Very soon, we’ll be communicating with AI daily, on topics and decisions that truly matter.

Time To Act

The longer we treat AI as a niche subject, the more we risk holding our learners back. Prompt engineering is not just for coders or data scientists — it’s for everyone who wants to think, learn, and communicate better in a world powered by intelligent systems.
It’s time to bring AI into the core of school and college education — not as a trend, but as a foundation. Because the future is already listening — and we need to teach our students how to speak its language.

(Nishtha Shukla Anand is a Trustee and Director at Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh. She leads strategic initiatives in brand building, innovation, and global outreach.)