Utilize AI and the Metaverse to Maintain Student Engagement in Online Learning

Engaging and motivating students online can be a challenging task for teachers. To create dynamic virtual learning experiences, we need to rethink our roles and delivery methods. Utilizing
artificial intelligence
(AI), promoting
active learning
, and designing engaging exercises can help students achieve their learning objectives and remain interested. Here are some strategies we implement.

GenAI

Generative AI can personalize learning experiences and enhance teaching and assessment methods. In our creative writing course, we encourage students to utilize it to develop characters. They use ChatGPT to describe physical features and create a prompt, which they then input into DALL-E or Ideagram to bring the characters to life. GenAI assists them in refining and developing their characters, thereby improving their stories.

AI is an integral part of education, and mastering how to integrate it into teaching ensures that students do not miss out on valuable learning opportunities.

Universal design for learning

Our approach leverages
universal design for learning
(UDL) guidelines to create engaging and accessible online learning activities. UDL is a framework that fosters meaningful, challenging learning opportunities, enabling students to achieve their learning goals and develop specific skills.

Here are some exercises we have designed using this framework to enhance
engagement
:

Recreating movie scenes

Storytelling is a vital communication skill that aids students in expressing themselves. It is highly sought after in the
workplace
and commonly used during business pitches and formal presentations. We cultivate these skills in our students by having them recreate a movie scene in the Metaverse. This activity requires students to critically analyze their chosen characters’ personalities, characteristics, and moods to accurately recreate the scenes.

By conducting this activity in the Metaverse, students adopt avatars, customize them according to the assigned character and movie scene, and use different scenarios to recreate the scene while interacting with their teammates’ avatars during the performance.