IIT Guwahati Launches India’s First VR Metaverse for PM SHRI Schools | Tech News

Students at PM Shri Adarsh Vidyalayas in Assam will soon have the opportunity to learn math and science concepts in their local languages through virtual reality, thanks to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, which is developing India’s first VR-enabled metaverse platform for schools aimed at sparking students’ curiosity and creativity.

The initiative, named “Gyandhara,” is a collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Department of Education of the Assam Government, and it will commence as a pilot project in 56 PM Shri schools in Assam later this year.

This program is set to enrich the educational experience by offering a more captivating approach to learning about various scientific and academic subjects that may be otherwise abstract or challenging to understand in conventional formats.

Dr. Keyur Sorathia, Associate Professor at IIT Guwahati and the leader of the initiative, explains that the “Gyan Dhara Metaverse” leverages virtual reality (VR) technology to create interactive 3D environments and immersive experiences.

“At Gyan Dhara, we are in the process of developing an educational metaverse, which will be enriched by virtual reality technology to deliver immersive and engaging educational content for students aged 13 to 18. Our aim is to foster an interactive and dynamic learning environment that transcends traditional teaching methods, enabling students to explore their creativity, build critical thinking abilities, and collaborate with peers globally,” Sorathia stated in an interview with PTI.

“Learning should be an exciting and rewarding journey. We are dedicated to creating a metaverse that empowers students with a vibrant and engaging learning atmosphere, allowing them to realize their full potential and contribute positively to society,” he further elaborated.

According to Sorathia, the pilot program for grades 8 to 12 will begin in 56 schools and will eventually expand to institutions across the North East and the entire country. The initiative will cover three subjects: mathematics, science, and social science.

“We are crafting an interactive and dynamic learning framework that surpasses conventional teaching methodologies. This will assist students in exploring their creativity, cultivating critical thinking skills, and collaborating with peers worldwide. This is a pioneering initiative in Indian schools,” he noted.

“The goal is to revolutionize how students connect with complex subjects by establishing a metaverse environment where lessons are delivered in local languages. This project essentially encompasses the curriculum for grades 8 to 12, which can be particularly challenging for students to visualize and comprehend through traditional teaching methods such as flat board instruction,” he added.