• Recent advancements in hardware and software technologies, along with the rapid evolution of internet services, have paved the way for the transformation of traditional laboratory environments into fully functional online laboratories. These Internet-based labs leverage emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance the learning and research experience. Over the past decade, the establishment of educational standards—such as the IEEE 1876-2019 Standard for Networked Smart Learning Objects for Online Laboratories, along with others currently under development—has facilitated the integration of these innovations into the field of engineering education, particularly in support of remote experimentation. These online laboratories provide advanced capabilities that promote the development of practical, hands-on skills within a flexible and scalable learning environment.

  • Generative Artificial Intelligence is not just changing digital and open education, it is enhancing it, especially in the perspective of educating the new generation of engineers and developers. As AI systems increasingly can personalize learning, change how we do assessment, and scale access across borders, the boundaries of traditional education are dissolving. In the context of digital education, I explore how AI is transforming educational ecosystems into intelligent environments, how AI-driven platforms are accelerating global access to open education, breaking language barriers, and supporting inclusivity. Drawing from research and real-world deployments, from direct developments with students, the session will spotlight the opportunities—and the ethical dilemmas—at the heart of this transformation. How open education and digital education practices are changed by GAI? How do we ensure that AI supports, rather than replaces, the human elements of teaching and mentorship? How do we build systems that are fair, transparent, and globally accessible? Additionally, the talk will do an in-depth exploration of AI’s power to shape the future of education—and the urgent responsibility to guide it wisely.

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