Artificial Intelligence in Education and Public Policy: A case from Brazil 

A Pró-Reitoria de Graduação convida para o evento:

Centro de Inteligência Artificial - C4AI will host Prof. Dr. Seiji Isotani, (Visiting Professor of Education - Harvard Graduate School of Education, USA, Faculty Associate - The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, and Professor of Computer Science and Learning Technology - University of Sao Paulo, Brazil) on June 05th, 16h –17h30, Brasilia time (3pm – 4:30pm EST), to talk about "Artificial Intelligence in Education and Public Policy: A Case from Brazil".

Prof. Dr. Seiji Isotani will present this talk remotely (from the USA).   
Title: "Artificial Intelligence in Education and Public Policy: A Case from Brazil"
Link: youtube.com/   

Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) possesses the capacity to  augment individuals' ability to address educational challenges across  various levels, from system-wide policies at the country level to supporting individual students with tools like intelligent tutoring systems. In my talk, I will begin by showcasing some of the outcomes my group has achieved by working with the Brazilian Ministry of Education to solve different challenges and support evidence-based decisions. I will then explore the broader implications of AIED on public policy, emphasizing the critical need to bridge the gap between AIED research and its practical applications to inform the design and implementation of educational policies. Using the Brazilian context as a reference point for the challenges faced by countries in the Global South, I will introduce the concept called "AIED Unplugged," my group's innovative methodology designed to create and integrate AI technologies into existing educational ecosystems without requiring infrastructural modifications, consistent internet access, or advanced digital literacy. This approach has been applied to reform an education policy in Brazil, aimed at improving students' writing skills and mitigating some of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' learning. Our findings demonstrate a reduction in the time, cost, and complexity of policy implementation, alongside a substantial positive impact on more than 500,000 students across 7,000 schools nationwide. I will conclude this talk by offering the community some ideas for the strategic application of AIED research and development as a means to augment equitable learning opportunities for all. 

Bio:
Seiji Isotani is a Brazilian scientist well-known for his contributions to the fields of artificial intelligence in education (AIED) and gamification of learning. For more than 15 years, Isotani has led significant advancements in understanding how people learn with interactive and intelligent educational technologies. He has also explored the design and implementation of public policies to ensure that every student receives the personalized support they need for fulfilling and meaningful educational experiences. Among his key accomplishments, Isotani has pioneered methodologies that integrate AI in resource-constrained educational environments and has been instrumental in developing tools and procedures to personalize gamification for educational settings, thereby transforming theoretical research into impactful, technology-enhanced educational experiences. His work is highly regarded for its potential to revolutionize learning environments and make education more accessible and effective globally. Since 2017, he has served as a technical and scientific advisor to the Brazilian Ministry of Education, working on projects and policies related to educational technologies. He was one of the key contributors to the development of norms for the K-12 Computer Science Curriculum in Brazil and to the design and implementation of educational policies that have significantly influenced over 50 million students nationwide. He holds a Ph.D. in information engineering from Osaka University in Japan and was a postdoctoral researcher at Carnegie Mellon University. Currently, Isotani is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of São Paulo and a Visiting Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. More info

Por Pró-Reitoria de Graduação - USP