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Advanced Technologies and Methodologies in Education 4.0
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Advanced Technologies and Methodologies in Education 4.0

A special issue of Applied System Innovation (ISSN 2571-5577).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 11080

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sarantos Psycharis

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Guest Editor
School of Pedagogical and Technological Education, ASPETE, Athens, Greece
Interests: physical computing; computational thinking; STEM; robotics
Dr. Konstantinos Kalovrektis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Digital Systems, School of Technology, University of Thessaly, Geopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
Interests: physical computing; computational thinking; embedded systems; sensors; digital twin; educational technology; educational robotics; learning machines; remote labs; AR/VR; STE(A)M; IoT; IoE
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Apostolis Xenakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Digital Systems, School of Technology, University of Thessaly, Geopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
Interests: wireless sensor networks; networks; wireless communications; cross-layer optimization; quantum communications; security and IoT; Physical Computing; STEM; Robotis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on state-of-the-art research works on advanced technologies, digital tools and methodologies for STEM education, educational robotics, distant learning, remote labs and IoT applications in education. It also highlights and combines contemporary pedagogical approaches, along with digital technologies, AI and ML algorithms for education, communication technologies (i.e., sensor and communication networks) and embedded technologies with a research focus on computational pedagogy and physical computing frameworks.

The contribution topics of primary interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Computational thinking
  • Computational science
  • Computational pedagogy
  • Computer-based teaching and learning
  • STEAM
  • STEAM(M)edical
  • Serious games and game-based learning
  • Quantum computing and STEM
  • Physical computing and sensors
  • Embedded system in education
  • Educational robotics
  • Digital twins
  • Digital tools and innovation
  • Digital problem-solving environments
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) in education
  • Machine learning (ML) in education
  • Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G in education
  • Remote lab technologies
  • Online learning platforms and technologies
  • Case studies and policies
  • Contemporary didactic approaches and advanced systems

Prof. Dr. Sarantos Psycharis
Dr. Konstantinos Kalovrektis
Dr. Apostolis Xenakis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied System Innovation is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical computing
  • educational technologies
  • educational robotics
  • learning machines
  • STEAM

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 6439 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Education in Agriculture via XR-Based Digital Twins: A Novel Approach for the Next Generation
by Orestis Spyrou, Mar Ariza-Sentís and Sergio Vélez
Appl. Syst. Innov. 2025, 8(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi8020038 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 708
Abstract
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) technologies into agriculture presents a transformative opportunity to modernize education and sustainable food production. Traditional agriculture training remains resource-intensive, time-consuming, and geographically restrictive, limiting scalability. This study explores an AI-driven Digital Twin (DT) system embedded [...] Read more.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) technologies into agriculture presents a transformative opportunity to modernize education and sustainable food production. Traditional agriculture training remains resource-intensive, time-consuming, and geographically restrictive, limiting scalability. This study explores an AI-driven Digital Twin (DT) system embedded within a gamified XR environment designed to enhance decision-making, resource management, and practical training in viticulture as well as woody crop management. A survey among stakeholders in the viticultural sector revealed that participants are increasingly open to adopting Virtual Reality (VR) combined with AI-enhanced technologies, signaling a readiness for digital learning transformation in the field. The survey revealed a 4.48/7 willingness to adopt XR-based training, a 4.85/7 interest in digital solutions for precision agriculture, and a moderate climate change concern of 4.16/7, indicating a strong readiness for digital learning transformation. Our findings confirm that combining AI-powered virtual educators with DT simulations provides interactive, real-time feedback, allowing users to experiment with vineyard management strategies in a risk-free setting. Unlike previous studies focusing on crop monitoring or AI-based decision support, this study examines the potential of combining Digital Twins (DTs) with AI-driven personal assistants to improve decision-making, resource management, and overall productivity in agriculture. Proof-of-concept implementations in Unity and Oculus Quest 3 demonstrate how AI-driven NPC educators can personalize training, simulate climate adaptation strategies, and enhance stakeholder engagement. The research employs a design-oriented approach, integrating feedback from industry experts and end-users to refine the educational and practical applications of DTs in agriculture. Furthermore, this study highlights proof-of-concept implementations using the Unity cross game engine platform, showcasing virtual environments where students can interact with AI-powered educators in simulated vineyard settings. Digital innovations support students and farmers in enhancing crop yields and play an important role in educating the next generation of digital farmers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies and Methodologies in Education 4.0)
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24 pages, 2917 KiB  
Article
Research and Analysis in the Cognitive Principles of Vocational Education and Training in Greece at the Beginning of the 21st Century
by Dimitrios Kotsifakos, Dimitrios Kiriakos, Konstantinos Kalovrektis, Yannis Psaromiligkos and Christos Douligeris
Appl. Syst. Innov. 2024, 7(5), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi7050098 - 15 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1760
Abstract
Today, the Vocational Education and Training (VET) curriculum in Greece is state-regulated, combining school-based and work-based learning, and it is offered at upper-secondary and post-secondary levels. There is a need to prepare a new agenda for VET in Greece that follows the rapid [...] Read more.
Today, the Vocational Education and Training (VET) curriculum in Greece is state-regulated, combining school-based and work-based learning, and it is offered at upper-secondary and post-secondary levels. There is a need to prepare a new agenda for VET in Greece that follows the rapid technological developments of today. Our paper aims to enrich, redefine, and expand the current curricula and educational practices while proposing a complete plan for the overall reformation of VET’s learning conditions from the point of view of teaching and learning analytics. Through the evaluation of the existing changing institutional framework, the updated bibliographic references, and the experiential data of the educational reality, we can understand the expected needs of technological educators and decide how to address the priorities that must be determined. We focus on the preparation of the trainers and the overall redefinition of the role of education in preparing graduates. This paper’s main conclusions offer interpretations for the cognitive orientation of the existing curricula, as well as direction for the thinking and teaching skills of teachers, to build confidence in the prospects of technical education in Greece. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies and Methodologies in Education 4.0)
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20 pages, 4634 KiB  
Article
Enhanced and Combined Representations in Extended Reality through Creative Industries
by Eleftherios Anastasovitis and Manos Roumeliotis
Appl. Syst. Innov. 2024, 7(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi7040055 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2449
Abstract
The urgent need for research and study with nondestructive and noninvasive methods and the preservation of cultural heritage led to the development and application of methodologies for the multi-level digitization of cultural elements. Photogrammetry and three-dimensional scanning offer photorealistic and accurate digital representations, [...] Read more.
The urgent need for research and study with nondestructive and noninvasive methods and the preservation of cultural heritage led to the development and application of methodologies for the multi-level digitization of cultural elements. Photogrammetry and three-dimensional scanning offer photorealistic and accurate digital representations, while X-rays and computed tomography reveal properties and characteristics of the internal and invisible structure of objects. However, the investigation of and access to these datasets are, in several cases, limited due to the increased computing resources and the special knowledge required for their processing and analysis. The evolution of immersive technologies and the creative industry of video games offers unique user experiences. Game engines are the ideal platform to host the development of easy-to-use applications that combine heterogeneous data while simultaneously integrating immersive and emerging technologies. This article seeks to shed light on how heterogeneous digital representations of 3D imaging and tomography can be harmoniously combined in a virtual space and, through simple interactions, provide holistic knowledge and enhanced experience to end users. This research builds on previous experience concerning the virtual museum for the Antikythera Mechanism and describes a conceptual framework for the design and development of an affordable and easy-to-use display tool for combined representations of heterogeneous datasets in the virtual space. Our solution was validated by 62 users who participated in tests and evaluations. The results show that the proposed methodology met its objectives. Apart from cultural heritage, the specific methodology could be easily extended and adapted for training purposes in a wide field of application, such as in education, health, engineering, industry, and more. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies and Methodologies in Education 4.0)
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12 pages, 541 KiB  
Article
Elevating Academic Advising: Natural Language Processing of Student Reviews
by Omiros Iatrellis, Nicholas Samaras, Konstantinos Kokkinos and Apostolis Xenakis
Appl. Syst. Innov. 2024, 7(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi7010012 - 31 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3439
Abstract
Academic advising is often pivotal in shaping students’ educational experiences and choices. This study leverages natural language processing to quantitatively evaluate reviews of academic advisors, aiming to provide actionable insights on key feedback phrases and demographic factors for enhancing advising services. This analysis [...] Read more.
Academic advising is often pivotal in shaping students’ educational experiences and choices. This study leverages natural language processing to quantitatively evaluate reviews of academic advisors, aiming to provide actionable insights on key feedback phrases and demographic factors for enhancing advising services. This analysis encompassed a comprehensive evaluation of 1151 reviews of undergraduate students for academic advisors, which were collected within a European University alliance consisting of five universities, offering a diverse pool of feedback from a wide range of academic interactions. Employing sentiment analysis powered by artificial intelligence, we computed compound sentiment scores for each academic advisor’s reviews. Subsequently, statistical analyses were conducted to provide insights into how demographic factors may or may not influence students’ sentiment and evaluations of academic advisory services. The results indicated that advisor’s gender had no substantial influence on the sentiment of the reviews. On the contrary, the academic advisors’ age showed a notable impact, with younger advisors surprisingly receiving more favorable evaluations. Word frequency analyses, both for positive and negative expressions, were also performed to contextualize the language used in describing academic advisors. The prevalent word combinations in reviews of highly rated academic advisors emphasized attributes like empathy, approachability, and effectiveness in guiding students towards achieving their academic goals. Conversely, advisors with less favorable reviews were often perceived as inadequate in addressing students’ concerns related to their academic journey, revealing persistent challenges in the student–advisor interaction that impacted their evaluation. This analysis of academic advisor reviews contributes to the body of literature by highlighting the significance of managing student expectations and enhancing advisor skills and qualities to foster positive interactions and academic success. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies and Methodologies in Education 4.0)
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