AI technologies for Doctoral Training. Investigating Doctoral Students' Perceptions of the Metaverse

Abstract

International research and policy documents agree on the need to reform doctoral training to allow future researchers to meet the expectations of a society that is increasingly open to scientific and technological innovation. AI technologies can support specific investigative as well as more transversal skills, capable of making doctoral work more attractive for the job market. An investigation on the perceptions of usefulness of the metaverse, involving 40 first year phD students of the XXXX’ doctoral course, is presented. Attitudes of openness towards the metaverse and awareness of the challenges and risks involved emerge from the analysis, in general. What emerges above all is the perception of usefulness associated with the intelligent tutoring roles offered by the metaverse and the need for 'equal', accompanying support. The results of the study are offered as food for thought regarding the educational value of immersive artificial intelligence environments also for doctoral training, especially regarding the potential of the 'tutor' and 'peer' intelligent tutoring roles.