Archive · 8 Sep 2026
IIIT Hyderabad Launches Centre to Study Learning in AI Era
IIIT Hyderabad has created a new research centre called CETLS.
It will study how people learn when artificial intelligence is widely available.
The centre will look at children, university students, workers and older adults.
Researchers want to find ways for AI to help people understand subjects better.
They do not want learners to simply copy answers from machines.
The centre will study “slow learning,” which gives people time to think, practise and make mistakes.
Experts said students will need critical-thinking skills because AI can provide incorrect information.
They will also examine how education and workplace training should change.
The goal is to understand learning first and then use technology to improve it.
IIIT Hyderabad launched the Centre for Educational Technology and Learning Sciences in Hyderabad on Monday.
CETLS will combine learning sciences, cognitive science, psychology and technology to study learning across the lifespan.
The centre will examine how AI can support meaningful learning without replacing reflection, experimentation and productive struggle.
Researchers will distinguish between using AI to complete tasks and using it as part of the learning process.
CETLS will study personalised learning support, curriculum changes, critical thinking, workplace preparation, upskilling and learning environments for older adults.
- Who
- The International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad launched CETLS, with education and technology leaders, faculty members and practitioners attending.
- What
- An interdisciplinary research centre was launched to study learning and the effects of artificial intelligence on education.
- When
- The centre was launched on Monday.
- Where
- The launch took place in Hyderabad at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad.
- Why
- CETLS aims to understand how learning, curricula and education systems should change as AI becomes more widely used.
Potential Benefits
Potential Risks
AI in education
Potential Benefits
AI could provide one-to-one learning support, improve learning outcomes and help people who lack access to personalised guidance.
Potential Risks
AI-generated information can be incorrect, and excessive reliance on machine-generated answers could weaken independent understanding.
Technology and learning
Potential Benefits
AI-based tools could offer individualised support and help learners access information more easily.
Potential Risks
Technology should not remove experimentation, reflection, practice or productive struggle, which can contribute to deeper understanding.
Education reform
Potential Benefits
The emergence of AI creates an opportunity to reconsider curricula and prepare people for workplaces where AI may be commonplace.
Potential Risks
Education systems must carefully examine what should be taught and strengthen critical and skeptical thinking as information becomes easier to access.
- Centre
- Centre for Educational Technology and Learning Sciences (CETLS)
- Institution
- International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad)
- Research scope
- K-12 education, higher education, executive education and third-age learning
- Core focus
- Understanding learning before developing technology around it
- AI research
- Studying personalised support, meaningful learning and the difference between completing tasks and learning with AI
- Learning approach
- Exploring experimentation, reflection, productive struggle and independent understanding
- Logo unveiling
- Srini Raju unveiled the CETLS logo
