ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SIMULATION-BASED EDUCATION TRAINING FOR TVET: A MINI REVIEW OF BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJMOE.829053Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Simulation-Based Learning, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, Digital Skill DevelopmentAbstract
Purpose: This mini-review explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in simulation-based education for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), focusing on its benefits, limitations, and future directions. Its objective is to synthesize current research and identify opportunities and challenges associated with integrating AI technologies to enhance vocational learning. Methods: An inclusive literature review was conducted across articles indexed in the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, using the keywords “artificial intelligence,” “simulation,” “education,” “TVET,” “benefits,” and “limitations.” Only English-language, peer-reviewed journal articles directly addressing AI in simulation-based TVET education were included, while grey literature and studies unrelated to AI were excluded. Results: The reviewed studies indicate that AI applications, such as Machine Learning (ML), smart training systems, and Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR), enhance personalized learning, performance assessment, and skill acquisition. However, limitations such as high implementation costs, ethical concerns, concerns regarding data privacy and security and limited instructor preparedness persist. The literature also highlights ongoing debates regarding the balance between automated systems and human pedagogical guidance and inconsistent evidence regarding long-term learning outcomes. Conclusion: Future research should prioritize developing standardized evaluation frameworks, conducting empirical studies with experimental designs, establishing ethical guidelines, and identifying cost-effective implementation strategies. Strengthening educators' digital literacy and promoting equitable access are vital to maximizing the pedagogical potential of AI-driven simulations in modernizing TVET training. Based on the findings, policymakers, government departments, and curriculum authorities are also encouraged to promote AI-driven simulation technologies as a foundation for modern TVET. This approach aims to prepare learners with the adaptive skills required for a rapidly evolving technological workforce.
Downloads
References
Badawi, S., & Drăgoicea, M. (2023). Exploring the challenges and opportunities of integrating ICT in TVET. UPB Scientific Bulletin, Series C: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 85(3), 49–64. www.scientificbulletin.upb.ro
Bokolo, A. Jnr., Majid, M. A., & Romli, A. (2020). A generic study on Green IT/IS practice development in collaborative enterprise: Insights from a developing country. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 55, 101555
Brass, Tamishka, JohnPaul Kennedy, Florence Gabriel, Bec Neill, Deborah Devis, and Simon N. Leonard. 2023. “Learning Analytics for Lifelong Career Development: A Framework to Support Sustainable Formative Assessment and Self-Reflection in Programs Developing Career Self-Efficacy.” Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence6. https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2023.1173099.
Callahan, Mary E., Emily B. Brant, Deepika Mohan, Marie K. Norman, Robert M. Arnold, and Douglas B. White. 2021. “Leveraging Technology to Overcome The “Scalability Problem” in Communication Skills Training Courses.” ATS scholar2(3): 327–340. https://doi.org/10.34197/ats-scholar.2020-0164PS.
Chen, Ying, Jianrong Bao, Geqi Weng, Yanhai Shang, Chao Liu, and Bin Jiang. 2024. “AI-Enabled Multi-Mode Electronic Information Innovation Practice Teaching Reform Prediction and Exploration in Application-Oriented Universities”Systems12, no. 10: 442. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12100442
Cowin, J., Oberer, B., Lipuma, J., Leon, C., & Erkollar, A. (2024). Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training. In M. E. Auer, U. R. Cukierman, E. Vendrell Vidal, & E. Tovar Caro (Eds.), Towards a Hybrid, Flexible and Socially Engaged Higher Education (Vol. 899, pp. 560–571). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51979-6_55
Dahuri, M., Che Ani, A. I., Johar, S., & Zakaria, A. F. (2025). A Bibliometric Exploration of Building Condition Assessment on Maintenance Strategies in TVET Institutions. PaperASIA, 41(4b), 220–231. https://doi.org/10.59953/paperasia.v41i4b.530
Fatokun, J. O., & Gumbo, M. T. (2024). Integrating emerging technologies into electrical and electronics technology in TVET curriculum: A need for employability and future-ready skills. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 2024(114), 250–266. doi.org
Fombona, J., Sáez, J. M., & Sánchez, S. (2025). Artificial intelligence and robotics in education: Advances, challenges, and future perspectives. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101533
García-Pe˜nalvo, F. (2024). Inteligencia artificial generativa y educaci´on: Un an´alisis desde múltiples perspectivas. Education in the Knowledge Society, 25, Article e31942. https://doi.org/10.14201/eks.31942
Gligorea, I., Cioca, M., Oancea, R., Gorski, A., Gorski, H., & Tudorache, P. (2023). Adaptive learning using artificial intelligence in e-learning: A literature review. Education Sciences, 13(12), 1216. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13121216
Guttha, P. R., Whig, A., & Whig, P. (2025). Leveraging AI for Sustainable Drug Commercialization and Advanced Therapy Management in TVET Innovations in Cell and Gene Therapy and Patient Support. In A. Sorayyaei Azar, S. Kant Gupta, H. Taherdoost, & F. Alhamaty (Eds.), Integrating AI and Sustainability in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) (pp. 225-244). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-1142-5.ch011
Hassan, R. H., Hassan, M. T., Naseer, S., Khan, Z., & Jeon, M. (2021). ICT enabled TVET education: A systematic literature review. IEEE Access, 9, 81624–81650. doi.org
Hong, HeeWon, and YeonKyoungKim. 2024. “Applying Artificial Intelligence in Career Education for Students with intellectual Disabilities: The Effects on Career Self-Efficacy and Learning Flow.” Education and Information Technologies, 29: 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12809-6.
Hu, Jingnan. 2022. “Partial Differential Equation‐Assisted Accounting Professional Education and Training Artificial Intelligence Collaborative Course System Construction.” Scientific programming, 2022 (1): 6357421. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6357421
Hussein, S. S., Ramly, N., Wan Ahmad, W. A. Z., Ridzuan, M. I. A. M., Salehen, P. M. W., & Dang, D. (2024). Achieving sustainable digital transformation in TVET institutions through enterprise architecture. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 16(2), 51–62. doi.org
Hwang, G., & Chu, S. (2023). Roles and research issues of robots in education: A review of the 2011-2021 publications. International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 17(3), 426–442. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJMLO.2023.131879
Ishrat, M., Khan, W., Faisal, S. M., Ansari, M. S., & Ahmad, F. (2025). Future Trends and Challenges for AI and Sustainability in TVET. In A. Sorayyaei Azar, S. Kant Gupta, H. Taherdoost, & F. Alhamaty (Eds.), Integrating AI and Sustainability in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) (pp. 1-32). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-1142-5.ch001
Jamil, Mohd R. M., Nadzimah Idris, Mohd M. M. Zalli, Nik M. H. N. Rakami, and Zetra H. Putra. 2024. “Transforming Inclusive Digital Pedagogy in Malaysian Tertiary TVET: Adapting to a New Educational Landscape”. Journal of Technical Education and Training16 (2): 165–74. https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/JTET/article/view/18320
Kamaruddin, A., & Rasdi, R. M. (2021). Work value orientation and TVET Students’ career decision-making self-efficacy: The mediating role of academic major satisfaction. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 29(2), 799–817. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.29.2.04
LeClair, Renee J., Jennifer L. Cleveland, Kristin Eden, and Andrew P. Binks. 2023. “An Integrated Pre-Clerkship Curriculum to Build Cognitive Medical Schema: It’s not Just About the Content.” Frontiers in Physiology14: 1148916. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1148916
Lim, S.C.J., Lee, M.F. (2024). Rethinking Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Towards Future Workforce Competitiveness and Business Success. In: Kwok, A.O.J., Teh, PL. (eds) Emerging Technologies in Business. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-2211-2_7
Liow, M. L. S. (2025). Artificial Intelligence Shaping the Future of Vocational Education and Training: Roles, Impacts, and Insights. In Transforming Vocational Education and Training Using AI (pp. 183–210). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
Magagula, M. M., & Awodiji, O. A. (2024). The implications of the fourth industrial revolution on technical and vocational education and training in South Africa. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 100896.
Mazlan, M. H., Puteh, S., Sulaiman, N. L., Mohd Salleh, K., & Mohamad, Z. (2025). The domains and components of Industry 4.0 talent for TVET students through work-based learning. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 17(3), 106–117. doi.org
Mbambo, G.P., du Plessis, E.C. Evaluating technical vocational education and training college student’s digital skills versus throughput rate. Discov Educ 4, 6 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00396-8
Meylani, R. (2024). Artificial intelligence in the education of teachers: A qualitative synthesis of the cutting-edge research literature. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 12(24), 600–637. https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1477709
Mittoor, G. K. & Putteti, S. (2025). From Data to Action: Optimizing Resources in TVET Through AI and Big Data Insights. In A. Sorayyaei Azar, S. Kant Gupta, H. Taherdoost, & F. Alhamaty (Eds.), Integrating AI and Sustainability in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) (pp. 177-188). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-1142-5.ch008
Muhammad Zuhairi AJ, Nizamuddin R, Khairul Anuar AR, Mohd Bekri R, Noorazman AS, Azman H (2024) Development and evaluation of an augmented reality chiller system simulator for TVET teaching. J Tech Educ Train 16(1):40–55. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2024.16.01.004
Mulders, M., Buchner, J., & Kerres, M. (2024). Virtual reality in vocational training: A study demonstrating the potential of a VR-based vehicle painting simulator for skills acquisition in apprenticeship training. Technology, Knowledge and Learning, 29(2), 697–712. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-022-09630-w
Nadzinski, Gorjan, Branislav Gerazov, Stefan Zlatinov, et al. 2023. “Data Science and Machine Learning Teaching Practices with Focus on Vocational Education and Training.” Informatics in Education22 (4): 671-690. https://doi.org/10.15388/infedu.2023.28
Nor Saradatul Akmar, Z., Danakorn Nincarean, E.P., Amirul Aidil, H.A., Mohd Faizal, A., Muhammad Ismat, A. (2026). Developing AssemVR: A VR Immersive Learning Environment for Automotive Assembly in Malaysian TVET. In: Hassan, M.H.A., Jamaludin, A.S., Bin Zakaria, M.A., Usman, F., Uchidate, M. (eds) Intelligent Manufacturing and Mechatronics. SympoSIMM 2024. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-7703-0_46
Okagbue, E., Ezeachikulo, U., Akintunde, T., Tsakuwa, M., Ilokanulo, S., Obiasoanya, K., Ilodibe, C., & Ouattara, C. (2023). A comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence and machine learning in education pedagogy: 21 Years (2000–2021) of research indexed in the scopus database. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), Article 100655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100655
Olabiyi, O. S. & Chinedu, C. C. (2025). The Convergence of Technology and Vocational Pedagogy and Artificial Intelligence for Driving Transformation and Creating a Sustainable Workforce. In C. Chinedu, N. Mafarja, M. Hussein, & A. Saleem (Eds.), Rethinking the Pedagogy of Sustainable Development in the AI Era (pp. 277-306). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-9062-7.ch013
Ossa, Laura A., Michael Rost, Giorgia Lorenzini, David M. Shaw, and Bernice S. Elger. 2023. “A Smarter Perspective: Learning with and from AI-Cases.” Artificial Intelligence in Medicine135, 102458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artmed.2022.102458
Petridou, Efthymia, and Lena Lao. 2024. “Identifying Challenges and Best Practices for Implementing AI Additional Qualifications in Vocational and Continuing Education: A Mixed Methods Analysis.” International Journal of Lifelong Education43(4): 385–400. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2024.2351076
Prestoza, M. J., Batang, B. L., & Batang, R. S. (2026). AI as an Evaluator in Education Assessment: Analyzing Teacher Education Students' Literary Materials. In A. Asrifan (Ed.), AI in Literary Education and Language Learning (pp. 175-202). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-6330-1.ch007
Putra, A. B. N. R., Kiong, T. T., Subandi, M. S., Smaragdina, A. A., & Nidhom, A. M. (2023). The innovation of TVET based e-training to increase the human resources level for vocational educators in the era of society 5.0. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 2590, No. 1). AIP Publishing.
Qadir, A. M. A., Arab, H. R., & Munaf, M. B. (2023). Business model innovation and reporting for the sdgs: A qualitative study of an iraq petroleum firm. Journal of Namibian Studies: History Politics Culture, 33, 1573–1598.
Rama, A., Jalinus, N., Anwar, M., Ifdil, I., & Lofandri, W. (2025). VocScholar: An AI-powered vocational research discovery engine with semantic relevance scoring and dynamic taxonomy mapping. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología, 5, Article 2050. sct.ageditor.ar
Rigley, Eryn, Caitlin Bentley, Joshua Krook, and Sarvapali D. Ramchurn. 2024. “Evaluating International AI Skills Policy: A Systematic Review of AI Skills Policy in Seven Countries.” Global Policy, 15(1): 204-217. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.13299
Rosli, M. S., Saleh, N. S., Atan, A. S., Ali, A. M., Bakar, S. A., & Johar, S. S. (2024). 21st century skills and the digital economy readiness among TVET-focused university students in Malaysian technical university. In 2024 IEEE 13th International Conference on Engineering Education (ICEED) (pp. 1–6). IEEE. doi.org
Ryan, M., Antoniou, J., Brooks, L., Jiya, T., Macnish, K., & Stahl, B. (2019). Technofixing the future: Ehical side effects of using AI and big data to meet the SDGs. In Proceeding of IEEE Smart World Congress 2019. IEEE, De Montford University
Samarasekera, Dujeepa D., Yap S. Chong, Kenneth Ban, et al. 2024. “Transforming Healthcare with Integrated Inter-Professional Education in a Research-Driven Medical School.”Medical Teacher46 (12): 1553-1560. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2024.2409293.
Shanmughan, P., Jeena, J., Nair, B., Anitha, S., Rani, C., & Jose, J. (2024). The AI revolution in micro-credentialing: Personalized learning paths. Frontiers in Education, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1445654
Solak Berigel, D., Şilbir, L., & Şilbir, G. M. (2025). Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into technical and vocational education and training (TVET): A PRISMA-based systematic review. Calitatea Vietii, 36(1), 1–27. doi.org
Sorayyaei Azar, A., Kant Gupta, S., Taherdoost, H., & Alhamaty, F. (Eds.). (2025). Integrating AI and Sustainability in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-1142-5
Stamenkovic, S., Jovanovic, N., Vasovic, B., Cvjetkovic, M., & Jovanovic, Z. (2023). Software tools for learning Artificial Intelligence algorithms. Artificial Intelligence Review, 568(9), 10297–10326. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10462-023-10436-0
Tobias, R. G., Alvarez, J., Lozano, J. A. G., & Llanos, L. V. C. (2024). Bridging the gender gap in technical and vocational education and training: A global comparative study of policy, technology, and gender inclusivity. In 2024 International Conference on TVET Excellence & Development (ICTeD) (pp. 294–299). IEEE. doi.org
Tomczyk, P., Brüggemann, P., & Vrontis, D. (2024). AI meets academia: Transforming systematic literature reviews. EuroMed Journal of Business. https://doi.org/10.1108/ emjb-03-2024-0055
Uslu, N., Yavuz, G., & Usluel, Y. (2022). A systematic review study on educational robotics and robots. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(9), 5874–5898. https://doi. org/10.1080/10494820.2021.2023890
Varsik, S., & Vosberg, L. (2024). The potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on equity and inclusion in education (No. 23). OECD Publishing.
Vázquez-Parra, Jose C., Carolina Henao-Rodríguez, Jenny P. Lis-Gutiérrez, Sergio Palomino-Gámez, and Paloma Suárez-Brito. 2024. “Perception of AI Tool Adoption and Training: Initial Validation Using GSEM Method.” Applied Computing and Informatics1–11. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACI-09-2024-0370
Wong, G. S., & Abdullah, N. S. (2025). Job readiness level to address 4.0 skills: An empirical study on TVET students in electrical and electronics field. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 17(1), 62–76. doi.org
Yadav, Uma, and Urmila Shrawankar. 2025. “Artificial Intelligence Across Industries: A Comprehensive Review with a Focus on Education.” AI Applications and Strategies in Teacher Education1: 275–320. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-5443-8.ch010
Younis, B. (2025). Developing and validating the contextual technology andragogy/pedagogy entrepreneurship work content knowledge model: A framework for vocational education. IEEE Transactions on Education, 68(1), 57–66. doi.org
Zambri, A. A., Khalid, F., & Kamaruzaman, M. F. (2022). Integration of Augmented Reality (AR) Technology in Education: Perceptions and advantages. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 7(SI7), 375–380. https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI7.3804
Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V., Bond, M., & Gouverneur, F. (2019). Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education – where are the educators? Int J Educ Technol High Educ., 16, 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239- 019-0171-0
