Using digital twins in education from an innovative perspective: Potential and application areas

Abstract

Despite existing for two decades, digital twin technologies have failed to catch up with similar emerging technologies. The education sector is one area that could use the functionalities provided by digital twins. Defined as virtual replicas of physical reality, digital twins mirror the real objects they represent, including components, infrastructure, architecture, and functionality. Therefore, one should expect a virtual lab to look like a physical one. Educational institutions fast-tracked the digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, as all industries and sectors did. As such, online and distance learning received much hype from stakeholders. However, many institutions failed to utilize digital twins in designing the new digital educational systems. However, similar technologies featured prominently, including virtual reality and artificial intelligence. As outlined in this research, digital twin technologies could encompass all technologies used to design and deploy distance, virtual, or online learning. Current applications illustrate that many institutions focus on developing a digital platform for learners and, in some cases, educators. The full potential of digital twins is yet to be fully realized, meaning that digital twins could develop further to help the education sector reach the necessary evolutionary milestones.