VR, AI, and the Future of the Classroom with Dr. Ryan Walker

In this episode of UnchartED State, co-hosts Susan Seal and Maddie Ludt are joined by Dr. Ryan Walker, associate professor at Mississippi State University and director of the VR certificate program.From virtual rainforests to AI-powered teaching assistants, Dr. Walker shares how immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR) are reshaping how students learn, interact, and retain knowledge. The conversation explores how experiential learning in 3D environments leads to deeper understanding, stronger memory, and more engaging educational experiences.The episode also dives into the growing role of AI in these environments, from intelligent avatars that guide learning to adaptive tutors that personalize instruction and assessment in real time.In This Episode: The difference between VR, AR, and XR—and how each is used in education  Why experiential, immersive learning leads to stronger retention  How AI avatars and virtual teaching assistants are changing instruction  The role of VR in STEM, healthcare, engineering, and beyond  Accessibility, engagement, and the future of assessment in virtual spaces  How higher education is (and isn’t) keeping pace with emerging technologies  What it means to design learning experiences—not just deliver content As immersive technology and AI continue to evolve, this episode explores how higher education can move beyond traditional models and into fully interactive, student-centered learning environments.