IIT Madras developing virtual reality-based education model for rural schools

The institute has created the first augmented reality-based mobile app called MemoryBytes, which provides an interactive, animated, and augmented experience of photographs, maps, and archival documents. 

The AR-based mobile app ‘MemoryBytes’ developed by IIT Madras. Image credit: IIT Madras

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras researchers are developing AR/VR (augmented reality/virtual reality)-based enabled learning for schools in rural areas. The researchers are using digital technologies to develop teaching-learning models for subjects taught in secondary schools in rural areas of the country.  

This initiative’s goal is to develop VR-enabled immersive and experiential learning environments where students get opportunities to learn subjects such as social science, history, sciences and languages.  

As an initial step towards this direction, project coordinators Merin Simi Raj and  Avishek Parui have created the first AR-based mobile app called MemoryBytes, which captures the history of the transnational Anglo-Indian community across 500 years. The mobile app, available in Android and iOS versions, provides an interactive, animated, and augmented experience of photographs, maps, and archival documents. 

According to official statement of the institute, this project could also help India achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal #4, which calls upon all nations to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. 

Highlighting the need for industry to support the scaling up of such projects with potential for deep social impact, Prof Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, said, “This project has the potential to redefine learning and education in schools for millions of rural school students across India, by creating immersive experiences through AR/VR technology-enhanced pedagogy.” 

By developing pedagogic tools using AR/VR technology, the project could potentially revolutionise education in rural areas by enabling virtual access and mobility through portable platforms. This project could also bridge the ‘Digital Divide’ between urban and rural school students, the statement read. 

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