Chapter 3. Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training, ICL 2023 [Book section]

In their groundbreaking article, «Harnessing Simulation and AI to Revolutionize Educator Training: A Case Study in Higher Education Transformation,» Cowin et al. (2024) explore the paradigm-shifting potential of integrating simulation-based training and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the professional development of educators-in-training. The paper presents a detailed analysis of a transformative project aimed at redefining the landscape of higher education through the implementation of cutting-edge training methodologies. By leveraging the capabilities of simSchool and Mursion platforms, this initiative has sought to equip future educators with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern classrooms effectively.
The article delves into the systematic review conducted by the authors, highlighting the innovative strategies employed to create immersive, blended learning experiences that combine video, interactive polls, and discussion forums. This approach not only promotes a deeper understanding of educational theories and practices among educators but also significantly improves their instructional capabilities. The findings and implications of this project, set against the backdrop of ongoing global educational challenges, offer valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and practitioners interested in the application of simulation and AI in teacher training. Through this study, Cowin et al. provide a compelling argument for the adoption of these technologies in fostering more dynamic, effective, and inclusive educational environments.

0100 Exciting Announcement: Our Latest Publication with Springer Nature

I am immensely pleased to announce the publication of our recent paper, «Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training,» featured in the prestigious proceedings titled “Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education” published by Springer Nature Switzerland. This collaboration with esteemed colleagues Dr. Jasmin Cowin, Dr. Birgit Oberer, Dr. James Lipuma, and Dr. Alptekin Erkollar, signifies a monumental stride in our journey to redefine educational paradigms through the integration of cutting-edge technologies (Cowin et al., 2024).

0200 Paper Abstract

As the world undergoes remarkable transformations powered by Artificial Intelligence, the challenge arises for educational systems and institutions to adapt. How can we adequately equip educators-in-training to flourish in unprecedented change? The emergence of flexible, hybrid, and socially engaged learning environments has created a need for effective training methodologies that empower educators-in-training to thrive in this new paradigm. Higher education institutions need to expand aspiring educators’ human and professional potential amidst accelerating change, in line with the clarion call of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education “By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States” [1]. Simulation-based training coupled with Artificial Intelligence offers a solution to equip educators with the necessary skills and competencies to navigate complex real-world educational settings to succeed in classrooms of the 21st century. Simulation-based training allows educators-in-training to develop their skills and build confidence in their abilities to effectively engage with students in multifaceted classroom environments by providing a safe and controlled space for experimentation and practice. In conclusion, this paper and presentation explore the shifting teaching paradigms in higher education using simSchool and Mursion simulation platforms as examples and examine inclusive and dynamic practices that promote sustainable systems change in line with SDG 4. Quality Education, supporting educators-in-training by identifying strengths and encouraging personal and professional growth through AI feedback loops and faculty coaching.

0300 Keywords

0400 Conference Presentation

Our findings and insights were also presented at the International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL 2023), further emphasizing the relevance and timeliness of our research in the ongoing discourse on educational innovation (Cowin et al., 2023).

0500 Accessing the Publication

For those interested in a deeper exploration of our work, the paper is accessible in the Springer Nature book “Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education”  (Auer et al., 2024). This comprehensive resource is indispensable for stakeholders across the spectrum of education, from policymakers to practitioners, who are committed to fostering a more adaptable, inclusive, and effective learning landscape.

0600 Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all contributors and the supportive community that made this research possible. Our collaborative efforts reflect a unified vision for the future of education, one that embraces the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
Disclosure statement
No conflict of interest pertains to the research presented above.
ORCID

Jasmin Cowin http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0405-8774

Birgit Oberer http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7231-7902

Alptekin Erkollar http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3670-5283

James Lipuma https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9778-3843

Cristo Leon https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0930-0179

0700 Copyright

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024

0800 Español

Título: Acelerando la Transformación de la Educación Superior: Entrenamiento Basado en Simulaciones y Coaching con IA para Educadores en Formación

Resumen: A medida que el mundo experimenta transformaciones notables impulsadas por la Inteligencia Artificial, surge el desafío para los sistemas educativos e instituciones de adaptarse a ello. ¿Cómo podemos equipar adecuadamente a los educadores en formación para prosperar en un cambio sin precedentes? La aparición de entornos de aprendizaje flexibles, híbridos y socialmente comprometidos ha creado la necesidad de metodologías de entrenamiento efectivas que empoderen a los educadores en formación para prosperar en este nuevo paradigma. Las instituciones de educación superior necesitan expandir el potencial humano y profesional de los aspirantes a educadores, atendiendo al llamado de la Organización de Naciones Unidas: “Para 2030, aumentar sustancialmente la oferta de profesores calificados, incluyendo mediante la cooperación internacional para la formación de profesores en países en desarrollo, especialmente a los países menos adelantados y los pequeños Estados Insulares en desarrollo”. El entrenamiento basado en simulaciones junto con la Inteligencia Artificial ofrece una solución para equipar a los educadores con las habilidades y competencias necesarias para navegar en entornos educativos reales complejos para tener éxito en las aulas del siglo XXI. Además facilita a los educadores en formación desarrollar sus habilidades y construir confianza en sus capacidades para interactuar efectivamente con los estudiantes en entornos de aula multifacéticos, proporcionando un espacio seguro y controlado para la experimentación y la práctica. En conclusión, este documento y su correspondiente presentación se enfocan en el análisis de los paradigmas emergentes en la educación superior, tomando como caso de estudio las plataformas de simulación simSchool y Mursion. Se examinan las estrategias inclusivas y dinámicas que contribuyen a promover un cambio sistémico y sostenible. Dicho cambio se alinea con el 4o. Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) establecido por la Organización de Naciones Unidas referente a la Educación de Calidad. Se destaca el apoyo a los docentes en formación mediante la identificación de sus fortalezas y el fomento de su desarrollo personal y profesional. Este proceso se realiza a través de la implementación de ciclos de retroalimentación basados en inteligencia artificial y programas de desarrollo profesional para el profesorado.

0900 Sources

Auer, M. E., Cukierman, U. R., Vendrell Vidal, E., & Tovar Caro, E. (Eds.). (2024). Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education: Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL2023) (1st ed., Vol. 4). Springer Cham. https://link.springer.com/book/9783031533815

Cowin, J., Oberer, B., Lipuma, J., Leon, C., & Erkollar, A. (2024). Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training [ICL]. In M. E. Auer, U. R. Cukierman, E. Vendrell Vidal, & E. Tovar Caro (Eds.), Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education (CLDM_Dv; Vol. 899, pp. 532–541). Springer Nature Switzerland; /Research/Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51979-6_55

Cowin, J., Oberer, B., Lipuma, J., Leon, C., & Erkollar, A. (2023, September 26). Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training [Presentation] [Conference]. International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL 2023), Madrid, Spain. http://icl-conference.org/icl2023/

1000 Citation

When citing this paper use this format:
Cowin, J., Oberer, B., Lipuma, J., Leon, C., & Erkollar, A. (2024). Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training [ICL]. In M. E. Auer, U. R. Cukierman, E. Vendrell Vidal, & E. Tovar Caro (Eds.), Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education (CLDM_Dv; Vol. 899, pp. 532–541). Springer Nature Switzerland; /Research/Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51979-6_55