Generative Artificial Intelligence and Metaverse as Immersive Learning Ecosystems in Health Education

Abstract

Digital immersion in education has moved from being a promise to becoming a concrete and increasingly widespread practice. This paper presents an experience report conducted within a curricular unit offered in the Medicine program at the University of Vassouras, which integrated Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and immersive virtual environments based on the metaverse to highlight opportunities and innovation in Health Education. Inspired by the model of immersion as system, narrative, and agency [1], the study explores how students experienced the creation of clinical scenarios on immersive platforms and used GenAI to develop clinical cases that enhanced the realism and complexity of the simulations. The experience highlights opportunities for adaptive, collaborative, and ethical learning, while also pointing out technical, financial, and acceptance challenges. This paper contributes to the discussion on how GenAI and immersion can structure innovative teaching ecosystems in which GenAI ceases to be merely a supporting resource and becomes an active participant in the construction of the educational experience.