Project Mentor: Professor Eric Obeysekare, Computer Science & Engineering
Project Description:
How could Artificial Intelligence become a collaborative teammate for learners and further democratize personalized learning?
India, with its youthful population and thriving IT sector, has emerged as a global leader in the adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. The potential for AI to revolutionize education in the country is immense, particularly in government schools where teachers grapple with challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and the need for personalized learning solutions. This project aims to empower K-12 teachers, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), with the skills and knowledge to integrate generative AI tools responsibly into their lesson planning, content delivery, classroom management, and curriculum design. The initiative will develop comprehensive resources and immersive workshops focused on enhancing STEAM teaching practices through AI, while maintaining a strong emphasis on ethical and responsible AI usage. Through collaboration with Agastya International Foundation and K-12 educators across India, this project will foster a future-ready approach to STEAM education, leveraging AI to improve both teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.
This project will take a five-pronged approach: Resource Development for AI-Assisted Lesson Planning: Create a detailed guide on using generative AI, such as ChatGPT, to assist teachers in lesson planning, focusing on ethical considerations and adaptive content creation. Creative Inquiry-Driven Learning through AI: Develop resources demonstrating how AI can help teachers generate engaging, inquiry-driven content that promotes critical thinking and deeper classroom discussions. AI for Effective Content Delivery: Design materials showing how AI tools can assist in delivering complex subjects in more accessible ways, including visual aids, summaries, and adaptive content for learners with diverse background, levels of preparation, and learning styles. AI in Classroom Management for Personalized Support: Prepare resources that guide teachers on leveraging AI for personalized student support, progress tracking, and maintaining effective classroom dynamics. Capacity-Building Workshops: Organize 3-5 day immersive workshops that train teachers (and Agastya trainers) on responsible AI use, covering all aspects of AI integration—from lesson planning to content delivery and personalized student support. The inaugural workshop will be held on Agastya’s Innovation campus in Kuppam in May 2025.
Deliverables for Year 1: Comprehensive Resource Guides on AI tools and their responsible use in lesson planning, inquiry-based learning, content delivery, classroom management, and curriculum design. Interactive Training Materials for use in workshops, including case studies, best practices, exercises, and AI tool demonstrations. 3-5 Day Immersive Workshop Curriculum that includes practical, hands-on sessions where teachers learn how to integrate AI into their work while addressing ethical and social considerations. Develop an assessment strategy for the workshop. Long-Term Project Outcomes: Enhanced Teacher Capacity: Teachers will be equipped with the skills to responsibly and effectively use AI tools in their teaching, improving lesson planning, content delivery, and classroom engagement. Inquiry-Led Teaching and Critical Thinking: Teachers will learn how to foster more inquiry-based learning environments, encouraging students to ask better questions and think critically. Personalized Student Support: Educators will be able to use AI to provide tailored support to students, improving academic outcomes and classroom management. Innovative and Responsible Curriculum Design: Teachers will gain the ability to create AI-enhanced curricula that are both innovative and ethically grounded, improving the overall learning experience for students.