UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

10/01/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2024 08:11

UNESCO and Capgemini launch hackathon to create open AI solutions for improved learning

Starting on 1 October 2024, teams from Capgemini will dive into the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) datasetto uncover the root causes that hinder learners' progress in reading. Based on questions co-designed by UNESCO, the aim is to develop AI models that will help inform targeted interventions to help countries make sustainable progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education (SDG 4).

Every submission will be evaluated based on accuracy, clarity, added value, efficiency, and scalability. Unlike traditional chatbots that rely on general online information, participants will need to analyze specific data sources directly, yielding precise and relevant insights and address questions of varying complexity, from ranking reading proficiencies by country to identifying regional trends and factors that can enhance children's reading levels.

Ability to understand complex data sets

This work is of crucial significance. The ability to instantly analyze large-scale assessment data is particularly valuable for policy-makers in low- and middle-income countries, who often face technical and time constraints in interpreting and understanding learning assessment data. By creating an AI model that offers immediate, data-driven responses, this initiative has the potential to equip policy-makers with a vital tool for guiding education interventions, ensuring decisions are based on accurate and actionable insights. Additionally, teachers can leverage this model to make targeted interventions in their practice and pedagogy in the classrooms.

Winning AI model will have open-source license

By addressing these challenges, the solutions will contribute to uncover global foundational literacy trends and see how children reading proficiency is evolving around the world. These solutions will also be able to:

  1. Predict future success by developing models that forecast reading levels based on factors like teaching methods and student engagement;
  2. Craft targeted interventions by using AI to suggest evidence-based solutions for specific regions or student groups; and
  3. Boost student motivation by analyzing data to understand what sparks a love of learning and use those insights to create engaging classrooms.

The winning model will be released under an open-source license, promoting broad access and the potential for further enhancement and multifaceted analysis.

Showcase the added value of multi-stakeholder partnerships in education

This initiative exemplifies the power of multisectoral, multi-stakeholder partnerships working together for the global public good. It represents a crucial step forward in addressing the learning crisis, harnessing the potential of AI and data science to transform education and improve outcomes for children worldwide.

By leveraging the combined expertise of UNESCO and Capgemini, it demonstrates that financial contribution is not the only way the private sector can support education; expertise and innovative solutions are equally vital. This partnership underscores a broader collective commitment to finding sustainable and innovative solutions for educational challenges.