An Educational Institution in Kerala Welcomes “Iris,” the First Generative AI Instructor.

Unveiling Iris: AI instructor ~ Kerala has made a groundbreaking move by appointing Iris as the first artificial intelligence teacher in history, in a world that is embracing technology more and more. The goal of this creative endeavor is to transform education for kids by making it enjoyable and interesting. Iris is a humanoid artificial intelligence (AI) tool created by Makerlabs Edutech Private Limited in partnership with the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) program to help teachers in the classroom. Iris functions as an additional tool, offering engaging learning experiences and accommodating a variety of learning methods, in contrast to a standard robot, which would replace teachers. Envision an AI humanoid instructor named Iris in a classroom. It is at the forefront, prepared to go on an amazing educational adventure with students. KTCT Higher Secondary School, located in Thiruvananthapuram, a seaside city, introduced Iris. In the field of education, it represents a momentous occasion. Iris is an example of how innovative teaching and state-of-the-art technology may work together. Characteristics of Iris ~ Iris is a flexible teaching tool that is intended to improve the learning process; it is not just another robot. With her sophisticated interactive features, Iris can answer complicated questions from pupils and converse with them in three different languages. It is an invaluable tool in the classroom because of its manipulation features, dynamic learning style, and tailored voice aid. Thanks to its wheels, Iris can also walk around and interact with pupils productively. AI Voice Assistant: Iris functions as a smart assistant within the classroom, responding to student queries, providing explanations, and delivering educational content tailored to their needs. Interactive Learning: Iris goes beyond simple lectures. It can create interactive learning modules with quizzes, activities, and personalized content to keep students engaged. Multilingual Capability: Iris can understand and speak in multiple languages, making it adaptable to classrooms with diverse students or those seeking multilingual education. Complex Question Handling: Iris isn’t just for basic facts. It’s equipped to tackle complex questions across different subjects, fostering deeper understanding. Mobility and Manipulation: Iris isn’t stuck in one place. It can move around the classroom and potentially even interact with objects, adding another layer of dynamism to lessons. User-Friendly Interface: Iris is designed for easy interaction. An Android app interface allows teachers and students to control and personalize their learning experience. ( Source: Google Images)  The Technology Underlying Iris ~ Revolutionizing Knowledge Delivery Iris is the epitome of technical innovation, driven by robotics and generative artificial intelligence. Iris can do a wide range of jobs with ease since it has a coprocessor and specialized Intel processor. It is making sure that students have a seamless and effective educational experience. Users may easily interact and use Iris thanks to its user-friendly Android app interface. It involves adjusting the learning process to each learner's unique needs and preferences. Possible Advantages That It May Have ~ The use of Iris has great potential to improve Kerala's educational system. Among the possible advantages are: Enhanced Student Engagement: Iris can pique students' attention and encourage active engagement in the classroom by providing dynamic and engaging learning experiences. Better Learning Outcomes: Iris can adapt to each learner's unique demands through tailored learning strategies, which helps with concept comprehension and retention. Decreased Teacher Workload: Iris may help teachers by automating repetitive chores and offering guidance. This frees up time for teachers to concentrate on giving kids excellent education and support. Iris signals the beginning of a new age of cutting-edge teaching strategies and improved learning opportunities as it enters Kerala's educational ecosystem. Iris supports human instructors, even if technology can't completely replace them. To develop the brains of the future, it is fostering a synergistic atmosphere where teaching and technology come together. ( Source: Google Images) 

Raja Ram Mohan Roy's 201-Year-Old Letter Redefined Indian Education

In a historic letter written by Raja Rammohun Roy 201 years ago, he redefined the landscape of Indian education. His passionate plea to Governor-General Lord Amherst urged the establishment of a Western educational system with English as the medium of instruction. Redefining Indian Education Raja Rammohun Roy, a visionary and social reformer, recognized the immense potential of Western education in transforming the lives of Indian citizens. In his letter dated 11th December 1823, he expressed his gratitude to the government for their efforts in establishing a new Sanskrit School in Calcutta. However, he emphasized the need for a more comprehensive education system that encompassed subjects like Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Anatomy, and other useful sciences. A Milestone in History Roy's letter holds great significance as it marked a turning point in Indian education. His plea for English to be the medium of instruction laid the foundation for the establishment of English-medium high schools in India. The Hindu College, which later became the prestigious Presidency College, was inaugurated in 1817 and became a symbol of his dream to provide Indian students with modern education on par with their European counterparts. Balancing Tradition and Modernity Roy's letter also reflected his appreciation for Indian culture and ancient knowledge, while advocating for the integration of modern Western education. He acknowledged the value of Sanskrit and its ancient texts but argued that a purely Sanskrit-based education would limit the practical usefulness of knowledge acquired. Roy's aim was to combine the best of both worlds, preserving the rich heritage of India while embracing the advancements of modern Europe. A Synthesis of Religions and Nationalism Apart from his contributions to education, Raja Rammohun Roy played a pivotal role in fostering religious harmony and nationalistic sentiment in India. His deep understanding of universal history and his expertise in multiple languages allowed him to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western religions. Roy's work laid the foundation for generations of thinkers and activists who played significant roles in India's freedom struggle and cultural renaissance. Legacy and Impact Raja Rammohun Roy's efforts to reform Indian education bore fruit over time. By 1836, the number of students in English classes had increased significantly, demonstrating the success of his vision. Educators such as David Hare, Henry Vivian Derozio, and Alexander Duff emerged as influential figures, furthering Roy's goals of providing quality education to Indian students. Triple Impetus to the Renaissance According to Sri Aurobindo, Raja Rammohun Roy's contributions had a threefold impact on the Indian Renaissance. Firstly, he awakened the critical and intellectual faculties that had been dormant for some time. Secondly, he instilled a desire for a new creation, encouraging Indians to embrace change and progress. Lastly, Roy directed India's awareness towards new conditions and ideals, urging the nation to understand, assimilate, and conquer them. Goddess Saraswati's Blessings As we celebrated Basant Panchami and invoked the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, the significance of Raja Rammohun Roy's letter becomes even more apparent. His tireless efforts to redefine Indian education continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the transformative power of knowledge and the importance of embracing the best of both tradition and modernity. Roy's legacy as a social reformer, nationalist, and bridge-builder between cultures continues to resonate even today.