KEY POINTS
Students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) are using virtual reality (VR) headsets to engage with lessons delivered directly by AI-generated teachers, including a digital rendition of Albert Einstein.
So far, HKUST’s AI project has developed 10 AI-generated instructors to enhance student engagement and diversify the classroom experience.
Some AI teachers are modeled after real individuals, while others are original creations, encompassing various cultural and character profiles. For their creation, the project team used tools like Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Bing, alongside proprietary software for 3D modeling and motion generation.
Since March, these AI educators have been assisting human teachers in delivering portions of the “Social Media for Creatives” course — covering topics such as storytelling, gamification, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
“As collaborative partners to human teachers, AI teachers possess the ability to transform previously mundane subjects into captivating ones,” said Pan HUI, Chair Professor of Computational Media and Arts at HKUST.
The project stems from HKUST’s Metaverse Web3 Laboratory, established to explore the potential of Web3 and foster a new digital economy and social development model.
Looking ahead, the university aims to develop personalized AI classrooms tailored to individual student interests and preferences.
HKUST is not alone in leveraging virtual reality and metaverse technologies for education. In March, Pakistan’s Information Technology University (ITU) introduced metaverse-based classes, while King Saud University launched a virtual campus within the metaverse to enhance educational experiences.
In April, even tech giant Meta announced plans to enter the education sector by introducing VR products for classrooms, offering educational apps and features to teachers.
