Chennai: For teachers, AI large language models (LLMs) must not be a mere information platforms that perform administrative tasks, but to change classroom pedagogy and help students learn more effectively. This motto is what prompted organisers of Universal Teachers Academy (UTA), a Tamil Nadu-based teachers’ collective, to create educational video games for classroom use.From basic math to identification of letters, picture patterns and memorisation of words, games for Classes I-III can be created through simple coding with the help of LLMs. These games, saved as HTML files, can be accessed by students through a mobile phone — even without the internet — or through smartboards in their classrooms.“The idea is to make classroom sessions more interesting. Children are more likely to not forget vowels if they play a game where several letters keep moving and they have to catch vowels alone,” said Symon Peter Paul, one of the seven organisers of UTA, which works towards equipping educators with digital learning skills.The platform, which has 28,000 members, is organising a free online workshop for more than 1,200 teachers on Sunday, teaching them how to create games. Teachers will be taught the basics of HTML and how to generate base prompts. “The process is simple. It starts with teachers visualising a concept for the game, then setting levels and difficulties, user interface, duration, and other details. Then we take the LLM’s help to compile a code and get the HTML file. Once they get the hang of it, they can update their prompts to make the games more challenging,” Symon added.Even teachers who do not know coding can create innovative lesson, said Gauyathrie, a teacher and UTA member. “I recently created a picture card matching game for my students and played it on my laptop. It was a hit,” she added.Educationists welcomed such activities. “Students will develop interest towards learning at an early age as most of these games are designed for primary classes. Teachers who put in extra work for students’ benefit must be rewarded,” said S Arumainathan of TN Students’ Parents’ Welfare Association.
