On the afternoon of 4 July, Associate Professor A.Y.M. Atiquil Islam from the Department of Educational Information Technology at East China Normal University delivered an academic lecture entitled ‘Virtual Reality Research in Higher Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence’ in Lecture Theatre 1817 of Sanjiang Building. The session was chaired by Lecturer Liu Xiaoxu from the Faculty of Teacher Education, with over 60 faculty members and students attending.

In his presentation, A.Y.M. Atiquil Islam first highlighted the growing role of virtual reality as a foundational learning environment in higher education, particularly within the era of artificial intelligence. Focusing on the higher education sector, he then conducted an in-depth analysis of the behavioral mechanisms behind students' use of VR for learning mathematics. Through a theoretical model validated by structural equation modeling, his study revealed multiple significant relationships between key variables. Islam noted that participants showed a strong preference for learning mathematics via VR in the context of generative AI, providing valuable insights for mathematics education researchers, instructors, and policymakers. He concluded by calling for further research into how VR can transform research paradigms and teaching practices in higher education.

Following the presentation, the keynote speaker engaged in an in-depth exchange with faculty and students in attendance, discussing topics such as the cost-effectiveness of VR educational applications and the cultivation of teachers’ technological competencies. Participants unanimously acknowledged that the report offered both theoretical depth and practical guidance, providing fresh perspectives for advancing related educational research. Moving forward, the faculty will continue to establish diverse platforms for exchange, fostering the deep integration of educational information technology with teaching practice.