ASU brings advanced AI and VR training to 2,000+ faculty in Argentina

How does technology transform our ability to learn? In the evolving landscape of education, artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are enabling profound changes. 

AI’s capability for personalization is having a direct impact on learner success, adapting content to meet their individual learning needs. A recent study in the e-learning industry shows a 60% increase in retention rates when AI is integrated into learning processes. 

VR further shifts the paradigm through learning experiences that enhance engagement and comprehension. These immersive opportunities can make learners up to four times more focused compared to traditional digital experiences — and significantly more confident in applying new skills. 

Unfortunately, access to emerging technologies and training is uneven throughout the world. That’s why Arizona State University (ASU) is committed to expanding opportunity. A new faculty training initiative for Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE) in Argentina focuses on integrating generative AI, VR and other tools and methodologies into teaching practices. 

Located in the country’s bustling capital of Buenos Aires, UADE currently serves 42,000 undergraduate and graduate students. ASU is equipping more than 2,000 UADE faculty with advanced technologies and skills to enhance students’ learning experiences. Since the initiative launched last month, faculty have learned about innovative pedagogical strategies to create and deliver creative and effective elearning experiences. 

“At UADE, we are glad to have ASU supporting our faculty to develop this learning and skills to deliver quality education for our students,” says Paula Catalina Iglesias, head of UADE’s Teaching Lab. “We believe that this is possible if our professors are updated and trained with the latest trends in methodology and tools such as AI and virtual reality. The courses have been of paramount importance for our professors’ daily activity and we can clearly see this in the results of the surveys they answer at the end of each course.” 

Empowering faculty to shape the future of learning

The training courses delivered for UADE as part of this initiative cover three critical topics: 1) Teaching and Learning with Generative AI, 2) The Use of Immersive Technologies in Education and 3) Active Learning. 

Taken together, the training courses address the specific needs and challenges faced by UADE faculty, such as aligning emerging technologies with tangible learning gains, as well as the local context and education landscape. The courses have been translated into Spanish and are available online through UADE’s platform. Upon completion of each course, participants will receive an ASU and UADE certificate to validate their newfound knowledge and skills.

“Professors [like me] at UADE have had the opportunity of taking the training courses and rethinking learning experiences to better adapt them to the needs of the new generation of students,” shares Ariel Vazquez, UADE professor and Director of BA in Human Resources.  “These courses are giving us the tools we need to design interactive classes that are centered on the students. I am already using many of these tools in my classrooms and I have received very positive feedback from students.”

The “Teaching and Learning with Generative AI” course leverages ASU’s groundbreaking collaboration with OpenAI. By learning to effectively integrate generative AI into the curriculum, UADE faculty are gaining valuable insights into how AI can enhance learning outcomes. 

A new model for global learning

“Through this collaboration with UADE, ASU is breaking barriers and reaching learners across the globe,” says Marco Serrato, associate vice president of ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “”By equipping faculty members with state-of-the-art AI and VR tools, we’re empowering them as learners themselves — enabling them to dramatically enhance the experiences for their students. ASU programs like this transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries and are tailored to each learner and setting, ensuring that institutions can effectively serve their diverse student populations.” 

This effort showcases ASU’s commitment to leveraging our diverse resources to drive scalable educational advancements in Arizona and around the world. and has been made possible through collaborative efforts of various units within ASU. Key collaborators include the University Design Institute, Next Lab, the Academic Enterprise, EdPlus, and faculty from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, who have lent their expertise to the development and implementation of these programs. ASU’s Enterprise Technology will also co-lead a virtual session with UADE leadership to share ASU’s approach on AI for teaching and learning.

For collaboration inquiries and more information on launching similar programs, please contact Faith Dalzell at faith.dalzell@asu.edu.

Article originally appeared in ASU News.