On December 6, 2024, Dr. Jiun-Yu Wu from the Department of Teaching and Learning at SMU captivated the audience at the Technology-Enhanced Immersive Learning (TEIL) Seminar Series with his talk titled “Unlocking the Classroom Code: An AI-Enhanced Multimodal Key to Engaging and Immersive Learning.” Educators, researchers, and students gathered to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and multimodal technologies can redefine the classroom experience, fostering inclusivity and engagement.
Reimagining the Classroom
Dr. Wu began with an insightful metaphor of a classroom as a dynamic space for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and personal growth. He emphasized that while classrooms have evolved with the infusion of technology, their essence—fostering human connection—remains unchanged. To achieve this, Dr. Wu introduced the concept of the “classroom code,” a framework for creating meaningful engagement and interaction through multimodal technologies.
Highlighting the shift from traditional to blended and hybrid learning environments, Dr. Wu stressed the importance of adaptability in education. He shared his vision of classrooms transcending physical boundaries to become inclusive, global spaces powered by AI.
The Role of Multimodal AI in Education
A core theme of the seminar was the potential of narrow AI systems—tools designed for specific educational tasks. Dr. Wu illustrated how AI can support personalized learning by tailoring content to individual needs, automating administrative workloads like grading, and improving accessibility for diverse learners. By synthesizing multimodal signals such as audio, video, and behavioral data, these tools can provide educators with deeper insights into student engagement and progress.
Dr. Wu also shared his research on Smart Learning Environments (SLEs) and Personal Learning Environments (PLEs), which integrate adaptive learning technologies to create context-aware and interactive educational spaces. These systems, he explained, can address common challenges like digital distractions by promoting focus and active participation.
Addressing Challenges and Envisioning the Future
Dr. Wu identified key challenges in education today, including the complexity of hybrid learning formats and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. He contrasted the “finite game” model of education, which focuses on measurable outcomes like grades, with the “infinite game” model, which prioritizes lifelong learning and personal fulfillment. His message was clear: the goal of education is not merely to win but to sustain engagement, growth, and joy in learning.
Dr. Wu concluded with a call for innovative pedagogical designs coupled with dynamic assessments informed by learning analytics. This approach, he argued, ensures that AI tools serve as catalysts for meaningful interactions, empowering students to unlock their full potential.
Looking Forward: Bridging AI and Education
If you are interested in collaborating with peers in technology-enhanced learning, immersive learning, and AI/machine learning spaces, join us at the upcoming TEIL seminars. For more information on the TEIL series at SMU, visit smu.edu/teil.