"Sorbonne Abu Dhabi" Developing an educational system that combines artificial intelligence with virtual reality technologies
ABU DHABI, 6 JULY / WAM / Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, a leader in the field of French language education, has developed an educational system that combines artificial intelligence with virtual reality technologies and digital support tools dedicated to learning.
This system aims to enhance language acquisition and consolidate students’ confidence in their linguistic abilities, by providing broader opportunities to practice the French language in realistic contexts that simulate daily life.
This initiative was developed within the French as a Foreign Language program at the university, as it combines interactive virtual characters based on artificial intelligence, immersive educational environments based on virtual reality, along with “Nora”, the smart educational assistant available via mobile devices.
This innovative approach to language teaching received international recognition in 2025, as Sorbonne Abu Dhabi’s efforts to develop five original language learning experiences using virtual reality technology were crowned with the Educational Innovation Award from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie.
The Artificial Intelligence-supported virtual characters initiative was also developed in collaboration between Thierry Burd, head of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and Tiffany Bordeaux, lecturer in the Department of French as a Foreign Language, with the aim of supporting oral language practice in distance learning and e-learning environments.
This initiative represents an innovative educational tool that promotes active participation and self-learning outside the boundaries of traditional classrooms. Through a platform available on smartphones, students can engage in extensive dialogues and interactive discussions with virtual characters powered by artificial intelligence.
Dr. Aude Solveig Epstein, the university’s acting vice chancellor for academic affairs, stressed the university’s commitment to creating immersive educational experiences that are available to everyone and closely linked to the reality that students will encounter outside the classroom. By integrating artificial intelligence and virtual reality into language education, we are exploring new horizons to enhance student confidence, participation, and interaction, while maintaining the highest levels of academic commitment that embodies the ancient legacy of the Sorbonne.
The conversational virtual characters powered by artificial intelligence are being developed in cooperation with the VRAI Learning platform, which specializes in artificial intelligence-based learning.
These characters act as virtual examiners, leading realistic oral discussions and debates by dynamically interacting with student opinions, asking follow-up questions, and providing personal feedback in English on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and discourse structure.
These virtual characters are trained weekly according to specific topics related to the school curricula, allowing students to engage in specialized dialogues that are compatible with their academic courses instead of traditional general interactions.
The platform also provides each student with a designated time for conversation, enabling him to practice, repeat and improve answers at a pace that suits him, which supports continuous progress in acquiring language skills.
For his part, Thierry Burd, head of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and senior lecturer in the Department of French as a Foreign Language at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said that through virtual reality technologies and artificial intelligence, students can practice the language at various times, obtain immediate feedback, and gradually build the confidence necessary to use French in real-life situations. Technology does not diminish the importance of the teacher, but rather expands his horizons and his ability to support learners and create richer opportunities for communication.
In turn, Tiffany Bordeaux, a lecturer in the Department of French as a Foreign Language, co-designer of the pilot project, and a doctoral researcher specializing in oral communication in the field of French as a foreign language, said that the temporary transition to online education represented an opportunity to rethink innovative solutions that allow students to continue developing their conversational skills in French and practice them on a regular basis, and the virtual characters platform made it possible to quickly respond to these challenges while maintaining a high level of educational support.
In parallel with the virtual characters supported by artificial intelligence, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has developed six educational scenarios based on virtual reality, transporting students to French-speaking environments that simulate reality, including bakeries, restaurants, train stations, hotels, fashion stores, and interactive kitchens.
During these experiences, learners complete practical tasks entirely in French, from ordering food and purchasing train tickets, to checking into hotels and preparing recipes.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
