Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED) is one of the leading institutions of higher education in Nepal, offering various programs in educational leadership, development education, language education, and STEAM education. KUSOED aims to contribute to enhancing the quality of education in the country and beyond by producing competent and innovative educators, researchers, and leaders.
KUSOED also hosts the UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education, which aims to promote quality teacher education through research-based innovations. The Chair works closely with various stakeholders to enhance teacher professionalism, leadership development, curriculum reform, pedagogical innovation, ICT integration, inclusive education. The Chair also facilitates regional cooperation among teacher education institutions in South Asia. The proposed AI in education research center will complement and collaborate with the UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education to achieve their common goals.
KUSOED has recently launched a new program, Bachelor of Technical Education (B.Tech Ed) in Information Technology, which is a four-year undergraduate course that deals with computer hardware, support, software applications, design, implementation, development, and management of computer-based information systems. The program is designed to prepare students for careers as teachers, trainers, instructional designers, and educational technologists in various educational settings.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to transform education systems and practices, as well as the skills and competencies required for the 21st century. AI can offer new opportunities for personalized learning, adaptive assessment, intelligent tutoring, data-driven decision-making, and creative expression. However, AI also poses significant challenges and risks, such as ethical, social, cultural, and pedagogical implications, that need to be carefully examined and addressed.
KUSOED recognizes the importance and urgency of exploring the possibilities and implications of AI in education and seeks to establish a research center that will focus on this emerging area. The research center will aim to:
Conduct cutting-edge research on AI in education, covering topics such as AI-enhanced learning environments, AI-based curriculum and pedagogy, AI ethics and policy, AI literacy and skills development, and AI impact evaluation.
Develop and implement innovative AI solutions for education, such as AI-powered educational games, apps, platforms, tools, and resources.
Build capacity and awareness among educators, students, policy-makers, and stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.
Foster collaboration and exchange among national and international researchers, practitioners, and organizations working on AI in education.
To establish the research center, KUSOED invites expression of interests from potential funders who share our vision and mission. The funders will provide financial support for the following activities:
- Setting up the physical infrastructure and equipment for the research center.
- Hiring qualified faculty members and staff for the research center.
- Providing scholarships for PhD/MPhil/Master’s students who will conduct research on AI in education under the supervision of the research center faculty.
- Organizing seminars, workshops, conferences, and other events related to AI in education.
- Disseminating research findings and best practices through publications, media, and networks.
The funders will also have the opportunity to collaborate with KUSOED on defining the research agenda and priorities, monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of the research center, and participating in the events and activities organized by the research center.
Interested funders are requested to submit their expression of interests by November 30th 2023 to dean@kusoed.edu.np. The expression of interest should include the following:
- A brief introduction of the funder’s organization, vision, mission, and objectives.
- A statement explaining why the funder is interested in supporting the establishment of the AI in education research center at KUSOED.
- A tentative budget proposal indicating how much funding the funder is willing to provide and for what activities.
- A list of previous or current projects or initiatives related to AI in education that the funder has supported or participated in.
The expression of interest will be reviewed by a committee consisting of KUSOED faculty members and representatives from Kathmandu University. The shortlisted funders will be invited for further discussion and negotiation with KUSOED, including how their contribution will be recognized. The final selection of the funder(s) will be made by December 31st, 2023.
For more information about KUSOED and its programs, please visit our website.
