Biography

Dr. Seiji Isotani is a learning scientist and engineer internationally recognized for his contributions to artificial intelligence in education and the gamification of learning. His interdisciplinary work bridges computer science, the learning sciences, and public policy. For more than 15 years, he has led groundbreaking research on how people learn through interactive and intelligent educational technologies. His work also focuses on designing and implementing public policies that ensure all students receive the personalized support they need to experience fulfilling and meaningful learning, especially in underserved and resource-constrained contexts.

Among his key accomplishments, Dr. Isotani pioneered “AIED Unplugged,” a methodology that brings AI to schools in resource-constrained environments. He has also developed tools to personalize gamification in educational settings, making learning more adaptive and engaging.

Currently a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Dr. Isotani previously served as a visiting professor of education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and as a professor of computer science and learning technologies at the University of São Paulo. He played a key role in shaping Brazil’s national education policies, including leading the development of the K–12 computer science curriculum, which has impacted more than 40 million students.

Dr. Isotani is the President of the International Artificial Intelligence in Education Society and serves on the boards of several institutions dedicated to advancing education. He holds a Ph.D. from Osaka University and completed postdoctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University.

Research Interests and Current Projects

One of Dr. Isotani’s most exciting current projects is AIED Unplugged, a research initiative that reimagines how to bring the benefits of AI to classrooms with limited or no access to internet, devices, or advanced infrastructure. Instead of starting with technology, it begins with people: their needs, goals, and constraints. The initiative then adapts AI principles to work in these environments using creative, low-tech approaches grounded in learning sciences and co-design methods. Two related publications about this work were published at the AI in Education conference and the Journal of AI in Education.

Dr. Isotani is also deeply invested in personalizing learning through AI-driven gamification. His team is building systems that not only adapt content but also tailor motivational strategies to match each learner’s profile and interests. These smart educational environments evolve with the learner, helping them stay engaged, feel successful, and develop a stronger sense of agency—all while having fun. These systems are not built in isolation; they are designed with teachers and students to ensure they align with real pedagogical goals and classroom practices.

Dr. Isotani also focuses on the intersection of AI and education policy, working with governments and institutions to think critically and creatively about how technology can best serve their communities. Rather than starting with the tools themselves, he begins by engaging stakeholders with questions such as: What is your vision for education? What do your teachers and students truly need? From there, he and his team co-develop solutions that are both technically feasible and educationally meaningful. This work spans national-level efforts, such as the improvement of Brazil’s National Textbook Program and the development of the K–12 Computer Science Curriculum, as well as more localized initiatives with schools and educators. At the core of this work is a commitment to bridging research, technology, and real-world impact.