The 5th International Symposium on Business Simulation and Educational Innovation, held on November 27 and 28 at Universidad Hispanoamericana, dedicated one of its key sessions to a topic that is reshaping the entire educational ecosystem: the transformation of the teaching role in the digital era.
Digitalization, business simulators, artificial intelligence, and immersive environments are deeply redefining educators’ functions, competencies, and responsibilities. This shift involves more than adapting tools—it requires a change in mindset and a new pedagogical approach.
Before diving into the theory, it is worth highlighting the symposium session that framed this conversation.
Symposium Session: Transforming the Teaching Role
Challenges in Teaching — Transformation of the Teaching Role
This session analyzed the evolution of the teaching role, the necessary competencies, and opportunities for growth in the context of digitalization and AI.
Participants:
- Dra. Adriana Garza — Moderator. Director of the Faculty of Public Accounting and Administration, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Mexico.
- MBA Renato Gandolfi — Business Simulation Lecturer and Coordinator of University-Industry Linkages and Continuing Education, PUCP (Peru).
- M.A.Ed. Karla Rodríguez — Lecturer and Neuroeducator, Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH), Costa Rica.
- Mgs. Víctor Ramón Mateo — Director of Modular Courses and Coordinator of Business Simulation, UNPHU (Dominican Republic).
This panel offered complementary perspectives from teaching, neuroeducation, simulation, and academic management, providing a comprehensive analysis of current pedagogical change.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Teaching Role
One of the main topics discussed was how AI is transforming the daily work of educators. Intelligent technologies allow teachers to automate repetitive tasks, personalize content, and analyze learning data with unprecedented precision.
This evolution shifts the traditional teaching role toward new functions:
- Mentor and facilitator, rather than just content provider.
- Information curator, helping students navigate abundant digital resources.
- Performance analyst, interpreting data generated by platforms and simulators.
- Experience designer, integrating AI, games, challenges, and simulation into meaningful learning processes.
AI does not replace teachers—it amplifies their impact.
New Digital Competencies for Educators
The digital era demands a new set of skills. Key competencies highlighted at the symposium include:
- Mastery of active learning methodologies (gamification, simulation, PBL).
- Ability to read and interpret educational data.
- Proficiency in LMS platforms, microcredentials, and virtual simulation environments.
- Strong digital communication skills and interactive content design.
- Understanding AI functionality and ethical implications.
Teacher training must be continuously updated to keep pace with these rapid changes.
Teaching in Immersive and Metaverse Environments
Another emerging trend discussed was the rise of immersive and metaverse-based educational environments. In these spaces, the teacher’s role transforms dramatically:
- Guides students through virtual learning experiences.
- Facilitates collaborative activities in 3D environments.
- Bridges theory and practice through advanced simulations.
- Promotes engagement via avatars and multi-sensory experiences.
These digital classrooms develop competencies that are difficult to cultivate in traditional settings: spatial reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making under pressure, and situational leadership.
Integrating Emerging Technologies in Practice
Participants agreed that modern educators need to strategically integrate technologies such as:
- Business simulators
- Generative artificial intelligence
- Learning analytics
- Advanced gamification
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Microcredentials and evidence-based portfolios
The key is not using technology for its own sake, but aligning it with learning objectives and real professional competencies.
University–Industry Collaboration: An Essential Component
Finally, the panel emphasized the value of strengthening university–industry collaboration. Transforming the teaching role involves:
- Accessing real-world cases and challenges.
- Co-creating educational experiences with companies.
- Integrating simulators based on real business dynamics.
- Preparing students with skills directly applicable in the workforce.
At CompanyGame, we see every day how this collaboration enhances learning, especially when using business simulators that allow students to practice, fail safely, and improve.
Conclusion: A More Strategic, Human, and Technological Teaching Role
The 5th Symposium delivered a clear message:
the teacher of today and tomorrow is an experience designer, an active learning facilitator, and a mediator between students and technology.
Their role has never been more human and strategic:
- Motivating, guiding, and supporting students.
- Selecting the right technologies and methodologies.
- Interpreting data and personalizing learning experiences.
- Creating environments where students learn by doing.
At CompanyGame, we continue to support this transformation with business simulators, gamified experiences, and digital tools that empower teachers and better prepare students for the challenges of the professional world.