Higher Education Classroom of the Future (HECOF)
We’re thrilled to announce the publication of a major new research paper co-authored by Ioana Ghergulescu, Head of Research at Adaptemy, in collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Published in Applied Sciences and titled “Building an Adaptive AI-Powered Higher Education Class for the Future of Engineering”, this work explores the cutting edge of how artificial intelligence and immersive technologies can radically enhance the way we teach and learn engineering in higher education.
Why This Matters
Digital learning is here to stay—but the static, one-size-fits-all model isn’t cutting it. Too often, students disengage, struggle to keep up, or fail to see the relevance of what they’re learning. This research tackles that head-on.
The HECOF system, built around Adaptemy’s adaptive learning engine, shows how personalized, AI-driven, and immersive learning experiences can deeply improve engagement, understanding, and satisfaction among engineering students.
Inside the Research
The study presents a live case from NTUA’s Chemical Engineering program, focusing on a core unit operations course around solid–liquid extraction. The HECOF platform integrates:
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Adaptemy’s AI-adaptive engine for personalized learning paths
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Retrieval-augmented virtual tutors to guide students in real time
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Immersive virtual reality labs simulating real-world experiments
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Generative AI tools for tailored explanations and feedback
The result? Students experienced measurable improvements in engagement, mastery, and confidence—even in traditionally difficult subjects like chemical kinetics and process modeling.
Key Outcomes
High Engagement and Satisfaction
Students reported increased motivation and satisfaction: On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate the overall experience of the AI-Powered Adaptive HECOF Course?
Adaptive Mastery – Real Gains
Learning loops tailored to student performance improved outcomes across the board. In this diagram you can see the Learning Gain impact accross the range of struggling learners (E) to the top performers (A1)
Usability & impact: The HECOF system was easy to use and made a clear difference in the students’ conceptual understanding.
Why It’s a Big Deal
HECOF isn’t just an isolated success story—it’s a blueprint for scalable, future-ready education. It aligns perfectly with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027) and its vision of digital transformation across higher education.
This project also sets the stage for broader adoption in vocational training, continuing professional development, and STEM education across disciplines.
About HECOF
The Higher Education Classroom of the Future (HECOF) initiative is a bold, forward-looking project designed to revolutionize higher education through adaptive and immersive learning approaches. Launched on 1 January 2023 under the Erasmus+ ERASMUS‑EDU‑2022‑PI‑FORWARD call, the 30-month project is coordinated by Konnektable Technologies Ltd. HECOF’s core mission is to engineer systemic change in university teaching and broader education policies by integrating AI and data science with immersive digital learning environments—particularly through virtual reality (VR) and adaptive learning systems tailored for chemical engineering students. Its ambition extends beyond technological innovation: the project emphasizes user co-design, ethical AI deployment, and policy recommendations to ensure that digital transformation in education is inclusive, responsible, and sustainable Higher Education Classroom Of the Future.
At the heart of HECOF lies a sophisticated technical ecosystem that brings together immersive VR, adaptive AI, machine learning, data analytics, and robust security under a unified pedagogical model. Built on a modular architecture, the HECOF system features a VR-capable core developed with Unity3D (by NURO) to foster interactive, gamified experiences; an adaptive learning engine provided by Adaptemy for personalized learner modeling; and machine learning, data warehousing, and security modules delivered by KT to profile performance and ensure data integrity. SIMAVI contributes a cross-platform API based on OpenXR and interactive dashboards that enable educators to harness real-time insights and situational awareness. All components are designed to work harmoniously, underpinning teaching practices with intelligent, context-aware, and scalable solutions Higher Education Classroom Of the Future.
Participating Partners
Adaptemy
Konnektable Technologies Ltd. (Coordinator)
SIMAVI Software Imagination & Vision
Nuromedia GmbH
Politecnico di Milano
National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)
Learn More…
You can download the paper at this open link: MDPI Open Research
Or watch the video summary here: HECOF – Youtube
