The metaverse—comprising a myriad of immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and augmented reality (AR)—and artificial intelligence may be key elements in reinventing education. As these resources become increasingly accessible, they have moved beyond the status of a mere trend. Pioneering initiatives are already demonstrating the potential to improve the way we teach and learn—as well as the magnitude of the challenge.

There has never been so much talk about artificial intelligence. For the business sector, the advantages are clear. Studies indicate that, depending on the sector, productivity can increase by up to 40%. Companies have also recognized the various possibilities created by the metaverse, which is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars by 2030 and will be used across a wide range of sectors, from retail and services to education.

For educational institutions, the latest edition of the Horizon Report 2023, published by Educause, highlights the factors that are likely to shape the future—and drive the use of AI and the metaverse: students are demanding more flexible and convenient ways to learn; the dichotomy between in-person and online learning is being reevaluated; and low-code technologies, which allow for the development of applications and programs even without knowledge of programming languages, are already beginning to gain traction.

The Metaverse: A World of Possibilities

In education, the metaverse enables immersive activities in which students and teachers connect in authentic spaces rich in learning opportunities. It involves interacting in a three-dimensional digital world where people can meet and have social and collaborative experiences. With various technologies, it is even possible to have multisensory experiences, such as seeing, feeling, and interacting with objects and other people.

This resource can be especially useful when studying complex topics that require students to think at a high level of abstraction. Virtual reality (VR) stimulates various senses of the human body, such as touch, smell, hearing, and taste, for example. Augmented reality (AR), on the other hand, allows for the projection and manipulation of virtual 3D objects, enhancing interaction and sparking greater attention and engagement from students regarding the content and topic being addressed. In this way, teachers create a more stimulating environment, contributing to greater student engagement, understanding, and learning.

In addition, the metaverse transcends physical and geographic barriers. People from different parts of the country and the world can interact, sharing knowledge and developing skills collaboratively. Learning about different cultures, fostering collaboration, and even creating opportunities to work together on projects with students from other schools are among the benefits.

Some educational institutions have embraced these technologies and created virtual schools, interactive labs, and digital teaching resources that support students’ skill development. However, so far, these have been isolated initiatives in our country, highlighting Brazil’s urgent need to promote digital transformation in education. We must increase the level of maturity and move beyond the initial stage in which most schools—especially public schools—still find themselves, particularly with regard to IT infrastructure, cultural change, digital processes, and new teaching practices.

See also:

• The Importance of Lifelong Learning for the Future of Work
• Evaluation of Vocational Education: Challenges and Opportunities
• Project-Based Learning: What Is It?

AI: Teaching and Learning More Effectively

We are experiencing a surge in the use of artificial intelligence across a wide range of industries, which is driving the emergence of new processes and business models and creating a need for workers to develop new skills. In education, AI plays a key role in one of the trends we mentioned at the beginning of this article: a more personalized and flexible education tailored to students’ needs and aspirations. With AI, it is possible to access virtual assistants that provide immediate feedback on questions that arise throughout the course and offer strategies and resources tailored to each student’s needs.

A first step in digital transformation involves the digitization of processes and tools. Drawing on a vast amount of data, educators and educational institutions can gain insights that improve teaching practices; design educational content and assessments; develop instructional resources; and build curricula. Algorithms streamline the implementation of improvements in the teaching and learning process, which can directly impact course completion rates and, most importantly, the effective development of students’ skills.

How AI and the Metaverse Are Converging to Drive Innovation in Education

When these two technologies come together, new possibilities for education emerge. Because it is a virtual environment, the metaverse gathers rich data on students’ actions and performance across various activities. With this data, we can use AI to personalize instruction by tailoring content, activities, and teaching strategies to each student’s individual needs. In other words, we can create content—such as videos, animations, and educational assessments—tailored to students’ specific challenges and learning styles. Another benefit is the ability to supplement complex content—which requires a high level of abstract thinking and is available only in text format—with additional resources such as podcasts, virtual tours in the metaverse, or video lessons.

SENAI has an educational technology program (PSTE) with initiatives that support EdTech companies in developing solutions as educational products and bringing these technologies into the classroom. With regard to the metaverse, since 2022, SENAI Experience has sought to make learning more meaningful and practical by providing unique and engaging experiences through immersive resources such as virtual reality (the metaverse and simulators), virtual tours of workshops and laboratories, 360° videos, and augmented reality.

Imagine learning by exploring an Industry 4.0 automated factory, conducting experiments in a virtual lab, or immersing yourself in an industrial environment. All of this is possible from home or at school with SENAI Experience. PSTE is also working with AI, and there is already a virtual assistant called CADU, which is constantly evolving to support students in their studies.

School Brings About Cultural Change

Our society is experiencing, at an ever-increasing pace, the technological innovations that are shaping the way people live, work, and interact. Education cannot be left behind. It must keep pace with this continuous process of evolution to offer students learning experiences that are increasingly relevant, personalized, and meaningful. Schools play an essential role in society’s digital transformation, and the metaverse and AI represent a new frontier for the educational process. Every learning experience that utilizes these new technologies supports cultural change and encourages their use both inside and outside the classroom.

New technologies bring new paradigms. As we explore the frontiers of education, we must embrace these solutions in an ethical, mindful, and inclusive manner. Educational technologies should be viewed as a means of supporting teachers and students throughout their educational journeys—not the other way around. The two topics discussed in this article have the potential to drive new teaching models, preparing students for an increasingly connected society that is integrated with new technologies, while also encouraging teachers to redefine their roles by focusing on interaction with and guidance for students so that they can develop the proposed competencies.

Although there are many challenges to overcome, digital transformation in education is the path to creating the conditions needed to meet today’s growing demands for flexibility and personalization in the educational process. Furthermore, as several international studies have shown, the digital transformation of education is the means to ensure that students can complete their education with the skills necessary to live and thrive in the digital economy and society. The longer this process takes or the more it is delayed, the greater the likelihood of widening disparities in career and employment trajectories.

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