THEMATIC SESSION #27

Giacomo Di Noto

University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy

• giacomo.dinoto@unimore.it

Andrea Gaggioli

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Italy

• andrea.gaggioli@unicatt.it

Paolo Boffi

University of Milan-Bicocca, Italy

• paolo.boffi@unimib.it

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) technologies are simultaneously transforming how training is delivered, experienced, and assessed across educational and vocational contexts. This thematic session addresses the measurement and assessment challenges arising from three distinct yet complementary technological paradigms: AI-driven solutions, XR-based systems and AI/XR hybrid architectures.

AI-driven solutions leverage machine learning, natural language processing, intelligent tutoring systems to personalize learning pathways, automate assessment or provide adaptive feedback, independently of the immersive interfaces. XR-based systems create immersive learning environments that enable experiential training, spatial understanding and hands-on practice in simulated contexts. Hybrid architectures combine these capabilities, integrating intelligent agents within immersive environments to deliver context-aware guidance, real-time performance analysis and adaptive immersive experiences.

The session is broadly targeted on Education focusing on two domains. The first is Academic Education where these technologies support higher education institutions in delivering innovative curricula, enhancing student engagement and enabling new forms of assessment in disciplines ranging from medicine to engineering. The second domain is vocational and manufacturing education, where these solutions address the critical need for effective operator training, procedural guidance and skill certification.

We welcome contributions from researchers and practitioners presenting novel solutions leveraging AI and XR that advance the state of the art in educational technology measurement. The session provides a unique forum for interdisciplinary exchange between AI, XR, learning sciences and metrology communities.

Giacomo Di Noto is a National PhD candidate at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UniMoRe), affiliated with the Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (DIISM) at Università Politecnica delle Marche. His research focuses on the development of computer vision and artificial intelligence-based systems for engineering education and vocational formation for manufacturing, with particular emphasis on solutions that provide real-time feedback during students' hands-on learning. His research interests include augmented reality for procedural guidance, real-time feedback mechanisms, and AI-enhanced training assessment.

Andrea Gaggioli is Full Professor of General Psychology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy, and Director of the Research Center in Communication Psychology (PSICOM). He is a leading expert in psychological aspects of immersive technologies. His research investigates how virtual and augmented reality can be leveraged to enhance human wellbeing, learning, and performance. Prof. Gaggioli has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and has been Principal Investigator in numerous European and national research projects. He serves on the editorial boards of several international journals and is a recognized authority on the design and evaluation of immersive experiences for training and therapeutic applications.

Paolo Boffi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Italy, where he is affiliated with the Department of Psychology and MiBTec (Mind and Behavior Technological Center). He holds a PhD in Information Technology with expertise in Extended Reality (XR), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Educational Technology. His research focuses on the impact of virtual reality on human learning processes, embodied cognition in immersive environments, and the design of VR-based educational experiences. Dr. Boffi has published in leading venues including Computers & Education: X Reality and previous editions of IEEE MetroXRAINE, with contributions on topics ranging from VR-based learning in historical settings to haptic interaction design and embodiment in virtual environments.