IIT Guwahati developing India’s 1st VR metaverse for PM SHRI schools

Students at PM Shri Adarsh Vidyalayas in Assam will soon be able to learn mathematics and science concepts in their local languages through virtual reality, as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati is creating India’s first VR-based metaverse platform for schools to stimulate students’ curiosity and creativity.

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

The initiative aims to improve their learning journey by offering a more captivating method to explore different scientific and academic subjects that could be challenging or hard to understand through conventional learning approaches. Dr. Keyur Sorathia, an Associate Professor at the Department of IIT Guwahati leading the project, states that the “Gyan Dhara Metaverse” employs virtual reality (VR) technology to develop immersive experiences .

“At Gyan Dhara, we are currently developing an educational metaverse, which will be enhanced through virtual reality technology to provide immersive and engaging educational content for students aged 13 to 18. Our focus is on creating an interactive and dynamic learning environment that goes beyond traditional teaching methods, helping students to explore their creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and collaborate with peers from around the world,” Sorathia told PTI.

“Education should be an exciting and rewarding journey and we are committed to developing a metaverse that empowers students with a dynamic and engaging learning environment, achieve their full potential, and contribute to a better world,” he added.

Sorathia explained that the pilot for classes 8 to 12 will begin in 56 schools and will be expanded to schools across North East and the country ultimately. Three subjects which will be covered under the initiative are–maths, science and social science.

“We are creating an interactive and dynamic learning environment that goes beyond traditional teaching methods, helping students to explore their creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and collaborate with peers from around the world. This is the first-of-its kind initiative in schools in India,” he added.

“The idea is to transform how students engage with complex topics by creating a metaverse environment where lessons are delivered in local languages…the project basically includes class 8 to 12 books which are very difficult to visualise and understand by students through traditional mediums like flat board teaching,” he added.