# The Integration of AI and Metaverse in Education: A Systematic Literature Review
## 1 Introduction  
The metaverse is widely regarded as the next evolution of the Internet. It will transform what is currently a two-dimensional web to a three-dimensional, immersive digital space. From a scientific perspective, there is no unified definition or unified agreement clarifying the exact structure the metaverse will take [1]. However, the most prevalent definition in the literature describes the metaverse as \"a three-dimensional online environment in which users represented by avatars interact with each other in virtual spaces decoupled from the real physical world\" [1, 2, 3, 4]. Other studies offer more in-depth definitions; for example, ref. [5] defines the metaverse as \"a world in which virtual and physical realities interact and co-evolve, and in which social, economic, and cultural activities are carried out to generate value\".  
From a technological perspective, the metaverse is expected to include and integrate many contemporary emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality(AR), mixed reality (MR), blockchain, digital twin, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others [6]. The success of the metaverse will largely depend on the extent to which it can deliver high levels of immersion, fostering a sense of presence to make virtual interactions feel real and meaningful. The immersion will primarily be achieved through VR technologies, along with MR and AR. In recent years, these technologies, which are grouped under the umbrella of extended reality (XR), have evolved rapidly. The development of XR head-mounted displays (HMDs) has been driven by the integration of multiple sensors, computational capabilities, and advanced tracking features, enabling hand tracking, eye tracking, and facial tracking.  
Constructing a metaverse that will replicate the complexities of the real world is a challenging task, requiring robust theoretical research at the framework level. Designing a well-defined framework prior to implementation is vital to establish a solid foundation for the system's architecture, thereby guiding the development process. This framework plays a critical role by identifying the key components, interactions, and data flows necessary to integrate AI, virtual environments, and user interfaces effectively. One of the most discussed and adopted frameworks is that developed by [PERSON] [2; 7; 8; 9]. As depicted in Figure 1a, the proposed framework comprises seven layers emphasizing both technological and experiential aspects of the metaverse: infrastructure, human interface, decentralization, spatial computing, creator economy, discovery and experiences. However, ref. [5] proposed a framework (see Figure 1b) categorizing the metaverse into two key areas, technology and ecosystem, detailing how each interrelates to support a unified virtual environment. In terms of the technology aspect, eight key enabling technologies could be identified, including XR, AI, blockchain, and edge computing, which facilitate user interactions and enhance experiential aspects of the metaverse. The ecosystem aspect focuses on user-centric factors, such as content creation, the virtual economy, and social norms, which must align with pre-existing real-world regulations.  
It is essential to distinguish the metaverse from standalone VR platforms and applications. While VR is a key component, the metaverse represents a broader integration of technologies, including VR, AR, MR, digital twins, IoT, etc. Together, these technologies enable a seamless fusion of virtual and physical experiences. Moreover, unlike standalone virtual worlds, the metaverse is envisioned as an interconnected ecosystem of virtual  
Figure 1: Metaverse frameworks. (**a**) The layers of the metaverse framework by [PERSON] [5]. (**b**) The layers of the metaverse framework by [PERSON] et al. [5].  
spaces, allowing for interoperability and the continuity of user experiences across different platforms [10].