Digitalization of Education for Sustainable Development: Using AI and VR to Build Environmental Awareness in Generation Alpha

Abstract

The article examines the conceptual foundations and practical dimensions of the digitalization of education for sustainable development, with a focus on the integration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies. It aims to generalize contemporary approaches to fostering environmental awareness among Generation Alpha, analyze the potential of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in school settings, and define the role of digital tools in promoting responsible environmental behavior. Special attention is given to the preparation of future biology teachers at pedagogical universities as a key condition for the effective implementation of innovative environmental education practices. The study is based on a qualitative methodological framework, including the analysis of scholarly literature on digital education, environmental education, and emerging technologies. Systemic, comparative, and interdisciplinary approaches are applied, alongside methods of generalization, systematization, structural and functional analysis, and pedagogical modeling. The findings indicate that artificial intelligence enables the personalization of learning, adapts educational content to individual needs, and supports the modeling and forecasting of environmental scenarios. Virtual reality enhances emotional engagement and deepens students’ understanding of ecological issues. The combined use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality creates an interactive learning environment that supports knowledge acquisition and the development of environmentally responsible behavior, highlighting the need to modernize teacher education.