IIT Madras researchers develop virtual reality-based education model for rural schools

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers have developed augmented reality and virtual reality-based (AR/VR-based) enabled learning for schools in rural areas. The IIT Madras researchers have used digital technologies to develop teaching-learning models for subjects taught in secondary schools in rural areas of the country.

The goal, as per an IIT Madras statement, is to develop VR-enabled immersive and experiential learning environments where students get opportunities to learn subjects such as social science, history, sciences and languages. Through AR/VR world-building, digital storytelling and games, the learning process becomes more efficient and would help prepare the students for a competent field of higher education, it added.

Also Read | #JusticeforSachinJain: IIT Bombay students protest against IIT Madras administration

As an initial step towards this direction, Project Coordinators Merin Simi Raj and Avishek Parui have created the first AR-based mobile app called ‘MemoryBytes’. The AR-based mobile app captures the history of the transnational Anglo-Indian community across 500 years. The mobile app, available in Android and iOS versions, provides an interactive, animated, and augmented experience of photographs, maps, and archival documents.

Also Read | IIT Madras, NPTEL launch data science contest to build AI, ML models based on IPL cricket matches

Industry funding in the form of CSR Grants could provide a great boost to this technology-led initiative and enable its implementation in schools across India.

This project, the IIT Madras statement added, could also help India achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls upon all nations to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

Also Read | IIT Madras to develop ‘Extended Reality’ Centre for Steel Authority of India

Highlighting the need for Industry to support the scaling up of such projects with potential for deep social impact, Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, said, “This project has the potential to redefine learning and education in schools for millions of rural school students across India, by creating immersive experiences through AR/VR technology-enhanced pedagogy.”

By developing pedagogic tools using AR/VR technology, the project seeks to revolutionise education in rural areas by enabling virtual access and mobility through portable platforms. This project could also bridge the ‘Digital Divide’ between urban and rural school students.