Pune: Global Experts Discuss AI’s Role in Shaping Future of Education at SPPU
Pune, 2nd September 2026: Global experts in education, cognitive science and technology gathered at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) for an international workshop focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI) and cross-cultural approaches can reshape learning and curriculum design.
The first day of the international workshop on “Cross-Cultural Psychology of Learning in the Age of AI” concluded at SPPU with discussions on the intersection of cognitive science and computational curriculum design.
The workshop has been organised jointly by the Max Planck Gesellschaft and the University of Cologne, in collaboration with the School of Education’s Department of Education and Extension (DDE), SPPU. The German Centre for Research and Innovation (DWIH), New Delhi, and Harvard Business Publishing are participating as knowledge partners.
During the inaugural session, SPPU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Parag Kalkar stressed the need for education systems to become more adaptable and flexible in response to changing technological and social conditions.
Kalkar referred to international education models and highlighted the importance of integrating cognitive development, physical strategies and specialised theoretical knowledge. He cited examples from sports universities abroad to illustrate how different forms of learning and skill development can be coordinated within modern education systems.
Dr Dirk Rohr of the University of Cologne also addressed the inaugural session and highlighted the international and interdisciplinary character of the workshop.
The event was attended by Prof Vilas Adhaav, Director, Department of Education, and Prof Dr Geeta Shinde, Head, Department of Education and Extension. International and Indian experts participating in the workshop were felicitated during the programme. Dr Poonam Suri, Dr Amisha Jain, teachers, non-teaching staff, research scholars and students from the School of Education were also present.
Experts Discuss AI and Curriculum Design
The academic sessions began with a symposium on “Emerging Technologies in Curriculum Design”, chaired by Dr Dirk Rohr.
Dr Adam Boyett of the Max Planck Institute, Prof Nimmi Rangaswamy of IIIT Hyderabad, Prof Suresh Isawe of Tilak College of Education and Dr Vaibhav Jadhav of the Department of Education and Extension discussed the potential of artificial intelligence to support changes in the learning process.
The discussions focused on the ways emerging technologies can be incorporated into curriculum design while ensuring that AI-enabled learning remains safe and effective for students.
A research poster exhibition and interactive session were also organised following the lunch break.
Focus on Cognitive Diversity and Inclusive Education
The subsequent symposium, titled “Cognitive Diversity and Design: Toward Cognitive Justice,” examined the relationship between cultural diversity and learning.
The session was chaired by Prof Dr Geeta Shinde. Participants discussed how differences in cultural and cognitive backgrounds can influence learning and why AI-driven educational development needs to remain equitable, fair and inclusive.
Dr Dustin Erdosh of the Max Planck Institute, Dr Seetha Kakkoth, Dr Navnath Tupe of SPPU and Dr Nisha Walvi participated in the session.
The first day concluded with a collaborative interaction and networking session, followed by closing remarks from Prof Dr Geeta Shinde.
The workshop aims to provide a platform for international and interdisciplinary dialogue on the changing nature of education and the role of artificial intelligence, cognitive science and intercultural approaches in making learning more effective, inclusive and equitable.
