Microsoft Research has developed a project called Shiksha copilot, which uses generative AI to assist teachers in creating personalized learning experiences and lesson plans. The project aims to enhance learning outcomes and empower teachers by providing them with a digital assistant that curates online resources. Teachers in Bengaluru, India, have been piloting the program and have found it to be a valuable tool in saving time and improving their teaching practices. The copilot allows teachers to quickly develop complete lesson plans in just 60 to 90 seconds, compared to the usual 60 to 90 minutes. It provides customized recommendations based on teacher input and is mapped to the local syllabus and curriculum. The project incorporates multimodal capabilities, supports voice-based interactions, and can be accessed through various platforms. The system follows safety and reliability protocols and aims to consistently produce factual and trustworthy content. The initial response from teachers has been positive, and the project is set to scale in schools across Karnataka and beyond. The Shiksha copilot is part of the larger Project VeLLM, which aims to develop inclusive and accessible copilots for various domains.
