IIT Madras, UNESCO MGIEP Partner to Advance AI Learning Tech

IIT Madras and UNESCO MGIEP partner to develop next-generation AI and immersive learning technologies, combining expertise in artificial intelligence, extended reality, game design and social-emotional learning.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (UNESCO MGIEP) partner to co-create cutting-edge AI and immersive learning technologies that will revolutionise the field of education. This partnership combines the strengths of AI, XR, game design, immersive technology, and social and emotional learning.

The partnership is formalised via the signing of a letter of intent in the presence of Obijiofor Aginam, Director of UNESCO MGIEP; Manu Santhanam, Dean of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research at IIT Madras; and M Manivannan, XTIC at IIT Madras. The partnership aims to develop digital solutions for education which would enable better educational experiences.

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In terms of the initiative, IIT Madras utilises its strengths in artificial intelligence, extended reality, gaming and immersive technologies. These strengths are envisioned to enable the creation of novel digital technologies that will make learning more interactive and immersive. IIT Madras' technology strengths are complemented by the education and social-emotional learning experience of UNESCO MGIEP.

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program expertise of the UNESCO MGIEP is being applied to the collaboration. Moreover, the organisation ensures that the program is aligned with the overall guidelines issued by UNESCO with regard to AI ethics and learner-centric learning. The idea is to make sure that technology is integrated into education, but with a focus on the holistic development of the learners.

This partnership is supposed to look for means by which the use of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies would be used to change traditional educational material into gamified and personalised experiences. Technologies like these can provide learners the opportunity to interact with digital material in a way that surpasses the normal classroom experience.

The partnership also highlights the growing influence of AI and XR technologies in the field of education. In light of technology-driven approaches to learning, the use of AI-powered technology can help deliver personalised learning, whereas XR technology can offer simulated experiences for learning through experience.

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The project will help UNESCO MGIEP in developing its work around the use of responsible technology and social-emotional learning, while for IIT Madras, the partnership offers an avenue to utilise its expertise in AI and immersive technologies in the area of education.

The objective of such a partnership is to come up with technology-based learning products that can have relevance for the whole world. The blend of technical skills and educational research will allow both IIT Madras and UNESCO MGIEP to work towards a more personalised digital education system.