Seiji Isotani

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.