New Delhi, Mar 12 – Students at PM Shri Adarsh Vidyalayas in Assam will soon have the opportunity to learn mathematics and science in their local languages through virtual reality (VR). This innovative approach is being developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, which is creating the country’s first VR-enabled metaverse platform specifically designed for educational purposes.

The initiative, named “Gyandhara,” is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Department of Education of the Assam Government. It will launch as a pilot program in 56 PM Shri schools across Assam later this year.

The Gyandhara project aims to enrich the educational experience by offering a more engaging method for students to grasp complex scientific and academic concepts that may be challenging to understand through conventional teaching methods.

Dr. Keyur Sorathia, an associate professor at IIT Guwahati and the lead on this initiative, explained that the “Gyandhara Metaverse” leverages VR technology to create interactive 3D environments and immersive learning experiences.

“We are currently developing an educational metaverse that will utilize virtual reality technology to deliver engaging and immersive content for students aged 13 to 18. Our goal is to foster an interactive and dynamic learning atmosphere that transcends traditional teaching methods, encouraging students to unleash their creativity, enhance critical thinking skills, and collaborate with peers globally,” Sorathia stated in an interview with PTI.

He emphasized the importance of making education an exciting and fulfilling journey, stating, “We are dedicated to creating a metaverse that empowers students with a vibrant and engaging learning environment, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.”

The pilot program will cater to students in grades 8 to 12 and is expected to expand to schools throughout the North East and eventually across the nation. The subjects included in this initiative are mathematics, science, and social science.

“This pioneering initiative in Indian schools aims to revolutionize how students interact with complex subjects by establishing a metaverse where lessons are delivered in local languages. The project encompasses the curriculum for grades 8 to 12, which can often be difficult for students to visualize and comprehend through traditional teaching methods like flat board instruction,” Sorathia added.