{"688492":{"#nid":"688492","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Building the Future of Online Learning Through AI and VR","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ETwo research teams within the College of Lifetime Learning are piloting new approaches to online education that integrate artificial intelligence and immersive virtual reality with thoughtful instructional design. More than technology experiments, these projects show how the College refines learning innovations before scaling them across programs.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearch Scientists Eunhye Grace Flavin, Abeera Rehmat, and Jeonghyun (Jonna) Lee are developing an AI-assisted course titled \u003Cem\u003EDesign of Learning Environments\u003C\/em\u003E. The course is being piloted within the College to gather feedback and data before broader implementation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWe want to study how AI can meaningfully support learning,\u201d Flavin said, \u201cand how it can deepen engagement and enhance instructional design rather than distract from it.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFaculty and staff are contributing in two ways: some are enrolling in the course and participating in AI-supported activities and surveys, while others are reviewing instructional models and providing feedback. Insights from both groups will guide refinements before future rollout.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMeanwhile, Research Scientists Meryem Y\u0131lmaz Soylu and Jeonghyun (Jonna) Lee, along with Research Associate Eric Sembrat, are piloting an immersive VR module within the Online Master of Science in Analytics (OMSA) program. The module features case-based scenarios with a virtual agent, enabling students to practice leadership and workplace decision-making in realistic environments.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cTechnical expertise alone is no longer enough. Our students need opportunities to practice leadership, navigate conflict, and communicate across stakeholders in realistic settings. Virtual reality allows us to create emotionally resonant, high-stakes scenarios in a safe environment where students can experiment, reflect, and grow,\u201d Y\u0131lmaz Soylu said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe VR experience uses branching 360\u00b0 scenarios in which students\u2019 communication choices and strategic decisions influence virtual stakeholders\u2019 responses in real time. Insights from the pilot will inform refinements to strengthen usability, instructional alignment, and scalability before broader implementation.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn many ways, we are building the future of online learning. We\u2019re asking what works and what supports learning. It\u2019s incredibly exciting to be part of a college that embraces this sort of thoughtful experimentation. Innovation like this can help us responsibly design courses for the individuals we serve,\u201d Flavin said.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe VR module is being developed in collaboration with Lifetime Learning colleagues in instructional design, media production, and technology, as well as partners across Georgia Tech, including OMSA leadership and faculty collaborators.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETogether, these initiatives reflect the College\u2019s approach to innovation: integrating research, technology, and delivery to improve learning systems. By piloting and refining new models before scaling, the College strengthens its capacity to expand access while preserving quality and meaningful outcomes for learners across career stages.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv\u003EAI\u2011enhanced course design and immersive VR simulations are being piloted to strengthen personalized learning, leadership practice, and instructional quality in online programs.\u003C\/div\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"AI\u2011enhanced course design and immersive VR simulations are being piloted to strengthen personalized learning, leadership practice, and instructional quality in online programs."}],"uid":"33969","created_gmt":"2026-02-24 16:38:31","changed_gmt":"2026-02-26 22:26:46","author":"ymrv3","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2026-02-24T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"679467":{"id":"679467","type":"image","title":"WONDA1.png","body":null,"created":"1772141869","gmt_created":"2026-02-26 21:37:49","changed":"1772141869","gmt_changed":"2026-02-26 21:37:49","alt":"A virtual advisor stands in a modern office with large windows overlooking a green landscape. A dialogue box shows the advisor asking for reflections on a project\u2019s progress, with interface buttons for talking and ending the conversation.","file":{"fid":"263632","name":"WONDA1.png","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/WONDA1.png","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/02\/26\/WONDA1.png","mime":"image\/png","size":1064760,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/02\/26\/WONDA1.png?itok=wDRP8M8b"}}},"media_ids":["679467"],"groups":[{"id":"66244","name":"C21U"},{"id":"660375","name":"Lifetime Learning"}],"categories":[{"id":"194606","name":"Artificial Intelligence"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"135","name":"Research"}],"keywords":[{"id":"193940","name":"college of lifetime learning"},{"id":"193860","name":"Artifical Intelligence"},{"id":"194944","name":"virtual relity"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"},{"id":"39501","name":"People and Technology"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EYelena M. Rivera-Vale\u0026nbsp;(she\/her(s)\/ella)\u003Cbr\u003ECommunications Program Manager\u003Cbr\u003EC21U, College of Lifetime Learning\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["ymrv3@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}