Smart Campuses Embracing Virtual Influencers for Interactive Education

In recent years, smart campuses have transformed the way educational institutions function, using cutting-edge technologies to improve learning environments. At the same time, virtual influencers have risen as powerful digital personas, engaging millions across social media platforms. These two trends can intersect, enhancing educational experiences within smart campuses. Smart campus leverages various technologies to create an optimized, interactive learning space. Key components include IoT devices, AI-driven analytics, digital classrooms, and sustainable infrastructure. Notable examples of smart campuses are the University of Melbourne and Nanyang Technological University, which utilize technology to boost student experiences, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

Virtual influencers are AI-generated characters that interact with audiences much like human influencers. They have gained popularity for their consistent, engaging content without the unpredictability of human behavior. Figures like Lil Miquela and Shudu have millions of followers, showcasing their potential to captivate and influence people. In educational settings, virtual influencers offer several benefits. They can provide personalized learning by tailoring content to individual student needs, supporting differentiated instruction. They also make learning more interactive and enjoyable, serving as digital tutors that explain concepts and answer questions in real time, thus increasing accessibility to educational support. For successful implementation of virtual influencers in smart campuses, robust AI and machine learning frameworks, high-speed internet, and integration with existing learning management systems are essential.

Looking at specific cases where virtual influencers have been used in education provides valuable insights. Some universities have experimented with virtual teaching assistants that manage classroom activities and support students. These implementations often result in increased student engagement and satisfaction, highlighting best practices and areas for improvement. However, the use of virtual influencers in education raises ethical concerns. Issues such as authenticity, data privacy, and potential manipulation must be addressed. Authenticity concerns relate to the fact that virtual influencers are not real people, affecting trust and credibility. Data privacy issues involve the handling of student information by AI systems. To address these challenges, transparent communication about the nature of virtual influencers, stringent data protection policies, and ethical guidelines for AI use in education are essential.

In  the future, the role of virtual influencers in education is set to expand. Advances in AI and machine learning will lead to even more sophisticated and interactive virtual influencers. Future developments may include virtual influencers conducting live interactive sessions, providing real-time feedback, and offering immersive educational experiences through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These innovations promise to further enhance the educational landscape, making learning more accessible and engaging. The integration of virtual influencers into smart campuses represents a significant advancement in educational technology. By enhancing personalized learning, increasing engagement, and providing innovative educational experiences, virtual influencers have the potential to transform how education is delivered and received. As technology continues to evolve, the collaboration between smart campuses and virtual influencers will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of education.

References:  

• W. Prasetyaningtyas, J. S. Meliala, C.P. Pratiwi, E. Peranginangin. “A Smart Campus Framework in Developing Countries: Systematic Literature Approach” , 2023 10th International Conference on ICT for Smart Society (ICISS), 2023
• Wibawa, C.P. Pratiwi, and H. Larasati, “The Role of Nano Influencers Through Instagram as an Effective Digital Marketing Strategy,” vol. 198, pp. 233–238, 2023
• Wibawa, C.P. Pratiwi, E. Wahyono, D. Hidayat, and W. Adiasari, “Virtual Influencers : Is The Persona Trustworthy?”, JAMIKA, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 51-62, Apr. 2022.

Chairani Putri Pratiwi, B.Sc, M.Si 
E-mail: chairani.putri@binus.ac.id