Digital twin technology for blended learning in educational institutions during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This paper addresses the challenges and opportunities of using digital twin (DT) technology to support blended learning in educational institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. DT is a state-of-the-art technology that creates a digital replica of a physical entity, process, or system. DT has been widely applied in various domains, such as manufacturing, healthcare, smart cities, and aerospace. However, its potential for education has yet to be fully explored. This paper proposes to use DT to build a digital prototype of an educational institution, which can integrate traditional and digital resources and physical and digital spaces to ensure the continuity and quality of the educational process. The paper also discusses the benefits of DT for blended learning, such as enhancing motivation, interest, and individualisation of learning. The paper analyses existing DT practices and identifies the problems and needs of the educational sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper argues that DT can be an effective solution for coping with the disruption and uncertainty caused by the pandemic and preparing for possible future education scenarios.