Hydroverse education: an AI-assisted education framework for immersive learning and training environments

Ali Rahmani; Yusuf Sermet; Ibrahim Demir

doi:10.2166/hydro.2026.022

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Hydroverse education: an AI-assisted education framework for immersive learning and training environments

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Hydroverse education: an AI-assisted education framework for immersive learning and training environments

Ali Rahmani, Yusuf Sermet and Ibrahim Demir

Journal of hydroinformatics, Vol.28(6), pp.671-689

06/01/2026

DOI: 10.2166/hydro.2026.022

Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access

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https://doi.org/10.2166/hydro.2026.022View

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Abstract

Hydroinformatics education has been constrained by pedagogical approaches that fail to convey the complexity of water systems. Virtual Reality (VR) offers a transformative solution through interactive and experiential learning. This study introduces HydroVerse Education, an immersive virtual classroom integrating VR and artificial intelligence to modernize hydroinformatics education. Using Unreal Engine, Metahuman, and Generative AI, the platform creates an interactive environment with immersive communication and knowledge generation. An AI-driven virtual instructor enables real-time voice-based interactions providing personalized guidance for diverse learning styles. HydroVerse Education enhances engagement through realistic simulations of complex hydroinformatics scenarios, bridging theory and practice. Addressing the need for accessible, cost-effective educational tools, the platform offers flexible, adaptive learning experiences for instructors, and researchers. This study details the system's development, architecture, and capabilities, while discussing challenges and future directions for VR integration in education.

Extended Reality (XR)

generative AI

human computer interactions

hydroinformatics

Metahuman

scientific communication

UIOWA OA Agreement

Details

Title: Subtitle: Hydroverse education: an AI-assisted education framework for immersive learning and training environments
Creators: Ali Rahmani - Univ Iowa, Dept Comp Sci, Iowa City, IA 52246 USA
Yusuf Sermet - University of Iowa, Injury Prevention Research Center
Ibrahim Demir - Tulane Univ, ByWater Inst, New Orleans, LA 70118 USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of hydroinformatics, Vol.28(6), pp.671-689
DOI: 10.2166/hydro.2026.022
ISSN: 1464-7141
eISSN: 1465-1734
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Number of pages: 19
Grant note: NA22NWS4320003 / University of Alabama National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); National Oceanic Atmospheric Admin (NOAA) - USA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH)
Language: English
Date published: 06/01/2026
Academic Unit: IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering; Injury Prevention Research Center; Computer Science
Record Identifier: 9985178450702771

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