Embodied AI Agents in VR Boost Programming Students' Learning
Researchers from North Carolina State University are set to present their findings on the role of embodied AI agents in programming education at the IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human-Centric Computing (VL/HCC) in October 2025. The paper, titled 'From Tool to Partner: Exploring the Roles of Gemini in AI Agent in Pair Programming', suggests that giving AI 'peers' in virtual reality (VR) a physical presence can enhance students' learning experience.
The study, led by corresponding author Qiao Jin, explored the impact of embodied AI agents on students' learning of programming. Results showed that these AI peers, equipped with the ability to interact with the virtual environment, improved students' confidence and motivation. Both embodied and voice-only AI agents supported learning, but the embodied AI was more engaging. Students were more willing to accept and engage with AI peers that had a physical presence in the VR environment.
However, the study also noted unexpected challenges, such as potential distractions from unrelated physical movements of the embodied AI. Despite this, the use of gestures by the embodied AI agent helped students understand instructions better, suggesting a promising role for Gemini in advancing programming education.
The presentation of the paper 'From Tool to Partner: Exploring the Roles of Gemini in AI Agent in Pair Programming' at the IEEE VL/HCC symposium in October 2025 highlights the potential of embodied AI agents in programming education. While challenges exist, the study suggests that giving AI peers a physical presence in VR can enhance students' learning experience, engagement, and confidence.
