AI and Challenge-Based Learning: The Case of Biotechnology Engineering Understanding the Role of the Microbiota

Understanding the gut microbiota is crucial due to its profound impact on human health, influencing digestion, immune regulation, and disease prevention. Its interdisciplinary nature makes it a critical area of study in various fields, including biotechnology engineering, where teaching students about its complexity and real-world applications is essential. Despite its importance, gut microbiota remains underrepresented in educational curricula, limiting students' ability to grasp its complexity and practical implications. To address this gap, an interactive virtual reality tool called the Gut Microbiota Simulator (GMS) was developed, allowing students to explore the effects of lifestyle factors, such as diet, sleep, and stress, on gut health by simulating dynamic changes and providing an engaging, interactive learning environment. The simulator was evaluated in an undergraduate course through pre-tests, post-tests, and a perception survey to assess its effectiveness. Results showed a significant improvement in students' understanding of microbiota-related concepts, with post-test scores significantly higher than pre-test scores (p < 0.001). The perception survey revealed high satisfaction levels, with average ratings exceeding nine on a 10-point scale for dimensions such as usefulness, engagement, and learning relevance. In addition, an AI-based microbiota simulator powered by a custom GPT model was developed as a complementary resource to provide personalized feedback and flexible interaction scenarios. These tools demonstrate the potential of integrating virtual reality and artificial intelligence to address complex educational challenges, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. This study highlights the importance of using innovative technologies to improve the teaching of interdisciplinary topics. Future work will explore adapting these tools to other disciplines and educational contexts, promoting accessible and impactful learning experiences.