Towards a holistic, equitable, and immersive future of education: Integrating AI, the metaverse, and developmental perspectives*
Abstract Education stands at a pivotal juncture, driven by the rapid convergence of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse. This chapter explores how these emerging tools may reshape pedagogy, learning environments, and social structures, drawing upon sociological and developmental psychology frameworks. Historical roots of mass education and open-distance learning initiatives are examined to contextualize the accelerating shift toward more flexible, immersive modalities. The analysis spans the progression from traditional, standardized systems to the Web 4.0 era, in which AI-driven personalization and virtual reality simulations promise new frontiers in student engagement and skill development. Türkiye’s unique experience in open and distance education, amplified by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, serves as a case study that illustrates both the democratizing potential and the persistent inequalities exacerbated by digital divides. Ethica...
