Over 24,500 Students at Universidad Andrés Bello are Learning in Digital Environments

In line with its strategic vision since 2024, Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB) has reinforced its long-term approach to digital transformation, positioning technology as a driver of continuous improvement in academics, management, research, and the student experience.

One of the key milestones was the creation of the new Office of Digital Transformation, led by Claudia Bascur, whose mission is to foster an organizational culture open to innovation – one that integrates digital technologies in a critical, inclusive, and sustainable way. The office promotes equity in access, strategic use of data, and the development of skills to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Claudia Bascur stated: “Thanks to technology, and in collaboration with other university areas, we’re advancing high-impact projects that enhance both the educational and service experience for our students.”

An AI Strategy to Transform the University

UNAB’s institutional roadmap for artificial intelligence outlines strategic pillars that promote a progressive and cross-cutting adoption of this technology. Implemented in coordination with the Office of the Provost and the Academic Affairs Office, the strategy prioritizes use cases that deliver direct value to students, faculty, and administrative teams.

From personalized learning to process automation, AI is already playing an active role in the university’s transformation.

Bascur noted: “AI allows us to do things that once seemed impossible. It accelerates research, helps predict student dropout risks, and personalizes the learning experience.”

Digital Training, Simulators, and Immersive Experiences

In 2025 alone, more than 24,500 students are engaging with cutting-edge technologies and advanced digital environments – enhancing their learning process and gaining essential hands-on experience and skills for the job market.

Specifically, over 6,600 students are using the ALEKS platform to build foundational skills in math, while 8,800 students are earning digital micro-credentials through partnerships with organizations such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, UN Women, and Coursera.

At the same time, academic simulation has become a core component of learning:

• More than 13,700 students are training in the university’s simulation hospitals
• Nearly 9,300 are using Labster virtual labs
• Over 11,000 interact with PhET physics simulators

In addition, the UNAB Activa telehealth platform is projected to deliver 15,000 virtual appointments in 2025, involving students from nine programs: Nutrition and Dietetics, Medicine, Midwifery, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Educational Psychology, Psychology, and Law.

Nearly 5,900 Students are Also Using AI-Powered Virtual Assistants.

Nicolás Garrido, director of the Department of Economics and Management at UNAB’s School of Economics and Business (FEN), stated: “Digital transformation is not just changing teaching and research – it’s redefining how we interact with one another and with the broader community. It’s a revolution shaping the university’s future.”

AI in the Classroom and the Metaverse

Looking ahead, AI will continue expanding into personalized and immersive learning experiences. One example is the virtual mine developed by the Mining Engineering program, which includes a generative AI guide capable of adapting the experience based on the user’s profile.

Gabriel País, director of the Mining Engineering program at UNAB Santiago, said: “AI enables every student to actively engage, and the testing has been excellent.”

The School of Law has also created a virtual litigation space in the metaverse, where students practice communication skills in digital settings. In parallel, an AI-based instructional design platform was implemented to streamline the creation of personalized online courses.

Similarly, the School of Engineering launched an adaptive programming course, which adjusts content based on each student’s learning style and profile.

Technology Infrastructure and Data Ecosystem

This transformation has also required a solid technological foundation. Among the most significant developments is the implementation of SAP as UNAB’s administrative and financial management system – now fully operational across the university – and the rollout of Wi-Fi 6 across all campuses, greatly improving connectivity.

Additionally, UNAB has created an institutional Data Lake and implemented a Data Governance model – key tools for supporting informed, timely, and strategic decision-making.

Loreto Boitano, director of Digital Transformation, emphasized: “AI doesn’t replace our strategy – it accelerates and strengthens it.”

A University Prepared for the Future

Digital transformation at UNAB is actively redefining higher education in Chile. The integration of technology, data, and artificial intelligence is not only enhancing the learning experience for students but also strengthening the work of faculty and administrative teams – driving a more innovative, inclusive, and future-ready university.