Book chapter 2025

AI and emerging digital worlds as a tool, not a replacement

AI Applications and Pedagogical Innovation
Journal · pp. 365-413
Abstract

This chapter explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive technologies are reshaping education while reaffirming the essential role of educators. AI supports adaptive learning, gamification, and workforce readiness, yet cannot replace human traits like empathy and ethical judgment (Papert, 1980; Johnson, 2022). Grounded in critical posthumanism (Bayne, 2015) and digital ethics (Selwyn, 2019), the chapter shows how AI-through tools like digital twins, XAI, and educational games-can personalize learning, support equity, and enhance CTE programs (Holmes et al., 2022; Stone et al., 2021). Educators remain central to interpreting AI feedback, fostering reflection, and ensuring student well- being (UNESCO, 2021). The chapter emphasizes that responsible implementation requires teacher agency, data transparency, and strategic policy. Ultimately, it argues for a collaborative model where AI enhances, not replaces, human- centered education. © 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing.

Keywords

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Index Keywords

Teaching Engineering education artificial intelligence Ethical technology Digital twin Adaptive learning Artificial intelligence technologies Digital ethics Digital world Educational game Ethical judgements Gamification Human traits Immersive technologies Intelligence support
Author Affiliations
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
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8 Barricelli, Barbara Rita, A survey on digital twin: Definitions, characteristics, applications, and design implications, IEEE Access, 7, (2019)
9 Innovative Education Journal, (2021)
10 Bayne, Siân, What's the matter with ‘technology-enhanced learning’?, Learning, Media and Technology, 40, 1, pp. 5-20, (2015)
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