Hyderabad, Sept. 6: The International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad) has launched the Centre for Educational Technology and Learning Sciences (CETLS).
The new interdisciplinary centre will study how people learn in an age increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Former NASSCOM President R. Chandrashekhar launched CETLS in the presence of IIIT Hyderabad Director Prof. Sandeep Shukla, Governing Council Member Srini Raju, former Director Prof. P.J. Narayanan, Prof. Vasudeva Varma and others.
Srini Raju also unveiled the logo of the new centre.
CETLS will bring together learning sciences, cognitive science, psychology and technology. It will study learning across different stages of life.
CETLS to Study Learning in the AI Era
The centre will examine how AI can make learning deeper, meaningful and effective. It will also study the difference between using AI to complete tasks and using it to learn.
CETLS will explore learning methods that encourage questioning, experimentation, practice and reflection. It will also examine “slow learning”, which gives learners time for productive struggle and deeper understanding.
Speaking at the launch, Chandrashekhar said AI brings both opportunities and challenges to education. He said CETLS could help understand how AI can improve learning outcomes at lower costs.
Prof. Raj Reddy, Chief Mentor of CETLS, said AI requires a fundamental re-examination of education from kindergarten to postgraduate studies.
He said AI could provide personalised learning support to students who lack access to guidance. However, he stressed the need for learners to question and challenge AI generated information.
Prof. Reddy also said education should focus more on skills, problem solving and independent thinking than memorising facts. He added that traditional methods of examinations and certification may also need review.
Prof. Sandeep Shukla said CETLS would study the short, medium and long term impact of AI on learning and education.
He said the centre would examine how curricula, research and workplace preparation should change in an AI native world.
The centre will also study learning among senior citizens and other third age learners.
CETLS will examine AI education across school, higher education and workplace learning. It will study whether education should give greater importance to critical thinking, creativity, communication and problem solving.
The centre will also explore AI based personalised education. Such systems could identify learning gaps and encourage students to understand concepts rather than depend on generated answers.
Prof. Vasudeva Varma, who leads CETLS, said the centre would first study learning needs and then develop technology to support them.
CETLS will focus on four broad areas: K 12 education, higher education, executive education and third age learning.
The centre will study experiential learning for children, personalised learning in higher education, upskilling and reskilling for professionals, and continued learning among older adults.
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