Thierry Koscielniak is dedicated to the development of emerging technologies (AI and XR) within the institution as part of the deputy general management team.
What is your position atArts et Métiers
I joined Arts et Métiers February 2024 as an expert in digital strategy and educational innovation. Previously, I represented the Cnam in the JENII project and I is now contributing to the working group on the dissemination of immersive digital twins.
As soon as I arrived, we worked on a project to expand JENII to other European universities in order to test digital twins and obtain funding, particularly for the translation of documents from French into English.
Beyond JENII, my role is to participate in the creation of projects and support their dissemination, promoting Evolutive Learning Factories ELF).
What sparked your interest in the digital space?
I am driven by constant curiosity. What fascinates me about developing computer programs is their applications. As a former teacher, I am naturally interested in educational uses. This is the field of EdTech, or Educational Technology.
Is there a word that sums up what JENII means to you?
I would like to propose a term that I invented in its French version and that I consider to be a target for JENII: "métaversité," a fusion of "metaverse" and "university."
It refers to a virtual 3D space designed for teaching and research within a metaverse. It can be explored using a headset, for example. It contains digital twins and can be used to organize collaborative work.
The "metaverse" is an immersive and sustainable virtual space where you can have a virtual room at your disposal at all times.
How did you respond to the hesitation surrounding the use of these new platforms for teaching?
The reluctance falls into two categories. First, there are the skeptics who doubt their potential. Then there are the professionals who are interested but lack the time because they are busy with other tasks.
For the former, it is crucial to have them test the tools, provide them with concrete examples, and facilitate exchanges with other teachers who use these tools.
As for the latter, the involvement of an educational engineer is essential to save time and translate their needs into digital solutions tailored to teaching.
"Mr. Metaverse"
Thierry Koscielniak's professional career has focused on technology for education. Digital technology and pedagogy have been the common thread throughout his career. He has contributed to the development of the use of networks and the internet for educational purposes and has held various university positions, helping to create digital workspaces for students and teachers and providing training in the use of Learning Management System (LMS) platforms. He is also president of France Immersive Learning, an association that represents the French sector of education and training providers using immersive technologies.
