Convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Ontologies, and Qualia in e-learning re-design
Lamprini Seremeti1[0000-0002-0663-5408], Charis Kalogera1[0009-0005-6762-3944], Stylianos Papalexandris2,3[0000-0001-9248-2067], and Sofia Anastasiadou3[0000-0001-6404-5003]
1 Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Street, Votanikos, 118 55, Athens, Greece
2 Democritus University of Thrace, Greece 3University of Western Macedonia, Active Urban Planning Zone (ZEP), 50 150, Kozani, Greece
DOI: 10.46793/eLearning2025.193S
Abstract. Nowadays, e-learning systems rely heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) as the core operational mechanism to deliver adaptive, personalized, and scalable learning experiences. However, the effectiveness of e-learning depends not only on computational capabilities but also on the conceptual basis of the knowledge under representation. Ontologies provide the formalized frameworks through which AI-based educational systems organize, correlate, and retrieve the educational content. Beyond the technical and structural aspects of e-learning lies the deeper philosophical foundation, that of Qualia, which refer to the phenomenological and subjective learners’ sense, such as their perception of continued support, their engagement with the content in a meaningful way, and the quality of sensation on learning. This paper introduces the need for an e-learning entity which is based on the interplay between AI, Ontologies, and Qualia, arguing for an integrated framework that involves computational intelligence, semantic structure, and philosophical foundation.
Keywords: E-learning, Artificial Intelligence, Ontologies, Qualia.
References
- Cuypers, S.E.: Is personal autonomy the first principle of education? Journal of Philosophy of Education 26(1), 5-18 (1992)
- Neufeld, A., Kassam, A.: Why respect for learner autonomy is an ethical priority. The Clinical Teacher 22(2) (2025)
- Yang, Y., Chen, J., Zhuang, X.: Self-determination theory and the influence of social support, self-regulated learning, and flow experience on student learning engagement in self directed e-learning. Frontiers in Psychology 16, 01-15 (2025)
- Chong, S.W., Reinders, H.: Autonomy of English language learners: A scoping review of research and practice. Language Teaching Research 29(2), 607-632 (2025)
- Drumm, S.: Applying individual strategies enhances learning in asynchronous learning paths. Computers and Education Open 8, 100257 (2025)
- Bhadra, P.: The impact of web 3.0 technologies in teaching learning process. In: Biswas, P., Chattopadhyay, S., Biswas, S., Pal, D., Khawas, K. (eds.) Modern Technology in Education, pp. 155-166, Gungun Publishing House (2025)
- Rathod, A.O., Jadhav, A., Shelke, S.S., Labade, S.B., Kale, V.S., Adhav, S.: Towards smarter e-learning: A machine learning approach to emotion recognition and text analysis. In: Proceedings of the Global Conference in Emerging Technology, pp. 1-6, IEEE, India (2025)
- Bousalem, S., Benchikha, F., Marir, N.: Personalized learning through MBTI prediction: A deep learning approach integrated with learner profile ontology. IEEE Access 13, 30861 30874 (2025)
- El Fezazi, N.E., El Miloud, S., Oumaira, I., Daoudi, M.: Adaptive m=learning content on the moodle platform using m-learner modelling approach, ontologies, and machine learning techniques. Educational Process: International Journal 16, e2025218 (2025)
- Dey, A., Ganguly, A., Banik, I.R., Bhuiya, S., Sengupta, S., Das, R.: Smart recommendation system in e-learning using machine learning and data analytics. SN Computer Science 6, 706 (2025)
- Maheswari, M., Gayathri, M., Reddy, M.Y., Shabu, S.L.J., Refonaa, J., Dhamodaran: Col laborative recommendation systems for e-learning sources. In: Proceedings of the 7th Inter national Conference on Intelligent Sustainable Systems, pp. 1171-1179, IEEE, India (2025)
- Kommers, P., Smyrnova-Trybulska, E.: Third decade in the twenty-first century skills and A.I. in education. In: Smyrnova-Trybulska, E., Chen, N.S., Kommers, P., Morze, N. (eds.) E-learning and Enhancing Soft Skills, pp. 1-13, Springer, Cham (2025)
- Amastini, F., Sekarhati, D.K.S., Puspitasari, M.: Advancing adaptive and personalized e learning systems: A systematic literature review. Advance Sustainable Science, Engineering and Technology 7(2), 1-14 (2025)
- Salimova, R., Nurmanbetova, J., Kozhamzharova, M., Manassova, M., Aubakirova, S.: Philosophy of education in a changing digital environment: An epistemological scope of the problem. AI & Society 40, 1655-1666 (2025)
- Masveta, D., Manyangara, M.E.: The UX-UI continuum: Exploring the interplay between user experience and user interface in e-learning platforms. Cogent Education 12(1), 2536531 (2025)
- Yildiz, T.: The minds we make: A philosophical inquiry into theory of mind and artificial intelligence. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science 59(1) (2025)
- Carrera-Rivera, A., Ochoa, W., Larrigana, F., Lasa, G.: How-to conduct a systematic literature review: A quick guide for computer science research. MethodsX 9, 101895 (2022)
- Taipalus, T.: Systematic mapping study in information systems research. Journal of the Midwest Association for Information Systems 2023(1), 9-24 (2023)
- Khaleel, M., Jebrel, A., Shwehdy, D.M.: Artificial intelligence in computer science. Inter national Journal of Electrical Engineering and Sustainability 2(2), 01-21 (2025)
- Qin, Q., Zhang, S.: Visualizing the knowledge mapping of artificial intelligence in education: A systematic review. Education and Information Technologies 30, 449-483 (2025)
- Samala, A.D., Rawas, S., Wang, T., Reed, J.M., Kim, J., Howard, N.J., Ertz, M.: Unveiling the landscape of generative artificial intelligence in education: A comprehensive taxonomy of applications, challenges, and future prospects. Education and Information Technologies 30, 3239-3278 (2025)
- Idris-Tajudeen, R., Akin-Olayemi, T.H., Akinsiku, A.M.: Artificial intelligence in e-learning: A systematic literature review of 21st century trends and innovations. Tech-Sphere Journal for Pure and Applied Sciences 2(1) (2025)
- Singh, A.K., Kiriti, M.K., Singh, H.: Education AI: Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on education in the digital age. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management 16, 1424-1437 (2025)
- Anastasiadou, S. D: Exploring AI Ethics Through Factorial Correspondence Analysis. In: Anastasiadou, S., Chadjipadelis, T., Koutsoupias, N., Markos, A., Menexes, G. (eds.) Modern International Developments in Data Analysis and Multivariate Statistical Analysis, pp. 495-528, IGI Global Scientific Publishing (2026)
- Tlili, A., Saqer, K., Salha, S., Huang, R.: Investigating the effect of artificial intelligence in education (AIEd) on learning achievement: A meta-analysis and research synthesis. Information Development 41(3), 825-842 (2025)
- Kokver, Y., Pektas, H.M., Celik, H.: Artificial intelligence applications in education: Natural language processing in detecting misconceptions 30, 3035-3066 (2025)
- Letourneau, A., Deslandes Martineau, M., Charland, P., Karran, J.A., Boasen, J., Leger, P.M.: A systematic review of AI-driven intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) in K-12 education. Npj Science of Learning 10(29) (2025)
- Zhong, X., Zhan, Z.: An intelligent tutoring system for programming education based on informative tutoring feedback: System development, algorithmic design, and empirical study. Interactive Technology and Smart Education 22(1), 3-24 (2025)
- Rizvi, I., Bose, C., Tripathi, N.: Transforming education: Adaptive learning, AI, and online platforms for personalization. Technology for Societal Transformation, 45-62 (2025)
- Yusuf, H., Money, A., Daylamani-Zad, D.: Pedagogical AI conversational agents in higher education: A conceptual framework and survey of the state of the art. Educational Technology Research and Development 73, 815-874 (2025)
- Rohrl, S., Staufer, S., Bugert, F., Nadimpalli, V.K., Hauser, F., Grabinger, L.: Ethical considerations of AI in education: A case study based on Pythia learning environment system. IEEE Access 13, 115331-115353 (2025)
- Boateng, O., Boateng, B.: Algorithmic bias in educational systems: Examining the impact of AI-driven decision making in modern education. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews 25(01), 2012-2017 (2025)
- Mienye, I.D., Swart, T.G.: ChatGPT in education: A review of ethical challenges and approaches to enhancing transparency and privacy. Procedia Computer Science 254, 181-190 (2025)
- Seremeti, L., Anastasiadou, S., Masouras, A., Papalexandris, A.: Addressing the challenges of harmonizing law and artificial intelligence technology in modern society. IAES Interna tional Journal of Artificial Intelligence 13(3), 2471–2478 (2025)
- Balalle, H., Pannilage, S.: Reassessing academic integrity in the age of AI: A systematic literature review on AI and academic integrity. Social Sciences & Humanities Open 11, 101299 (2025)
- Mouta, A., Torrecilla-Sanchez, E.M., Pinto-Liorente, A.M.: Comprehensive professional learning for teacher agency in addressing ethical challenges of AIED: Insights from educational design research. Education and Information Technologies 30, 3343-3387 (2025)
- Dai, Y.: Integrating unplugged and plugged activities for holistic AI education: An embodied constructionist pedagogical approach. Education and Information Technologies 30, 6741-6764 (2025)
- Khlaif, Z.N., Hamamra, B., Hussein, E.T.: AI paradox in higher education: Understanding over-reliance, its impact, and sustainable integration. Research Square 1-31 (2025)
- Mayer, R., Antunes, G., Caetano, A., Bakhshandeh, M., Rauber, A., Borbinha, J.: Using ontologies to capture the semantics of a (business) process for digital preservation. International Journal on Digital Libraries 15, 129-152 (2015)
- Ding, L., Kolari, P., Ding, Z., Avancha, S.: Using ontologies in the semantic web: A survey. In: Sharman, R., Kishore, R., Ramesh, R. (eds.) Ontologies. Integrated Series in Information Systems 14, 79-113. Springer, Boston, MA (2007)
- Zhang, X., Zhao, C., Wang, X.: A survey on knowledge representation in materials science and engineering: An ontological perspective. Computers in Industry 73, 8-22 (2015)
- Busse, J., Humm, B.G., Lubbert, C., Moelter, F., Reibold, A., Rewald, M., Schluter, V., Seiler, B., Tegtmeier, E., Zeh, T.: Actually, what does “ontology” mean? A term coined by philosophy in the light of different scientific disciplines. Journal of Computing and Information Technology 23(1), 29 (2015)
- Tan, S.Z.K., Baksi, S., Bjerregaard, T.G., Elangovan, P., Gopalakrishnan, T.K., Hric, D., Joumaa, J., Li, B., Rabbani, K., Venkatesan, S.K., Valdez, J.D., Kuriakose, S.V.: Digital evolution: Novo Nordisk’s shift to ontology-based data management. Journal of Biomedical Semantics 16(6) (2025)
- Kougias, I., Seremeti, L., Kalogeras, D.: Ontology-based knowledge management in NGEEs. International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology 2(1), 54-62 (2011)
- Stancin, K., Poscic, P., Jaksic, D.: Ontologies in education – state of the art. Education and Information Technologies 25, 5301-5320 (2020)
- Yuen, H.K., Man, H., Cheung, R.: Rule-based reasoning for personalized learning in a web based programming environment. In: Proceedings of the 2025 IEEE 14th International Conference on Engineering Education, Malaysia (2025)
- Musa, M.H., Salam, S., Norasikin, M.A., Shabarudin, M.S., Lestari, U.: A systematic agile framework for test-driven ontology validation in academic performance analytics and decision-making. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology 103(11) (2025)
- Gomaa, Y., Lahoud, C., Abel, M.H., Moussa, S.: Managing data heterogeneity for ontology driven models: Application to gamified e-learning contexts. In: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education, pp. 726-736, SciTePress (2025)
- Seremeti, L., Aggelopoulou, N., Pierrakeas, C., Kameas, A.: Binary relations in educational ontologies. In: Badica, A., Colhon, M. (eds.) Proceedings of the 2015 Balkan Conference on Informatics: Advances in ICT, pp. 45-50 (2015)
- Conde, A., Larranaga, M., Arruarte, A., Elorriaga, J.A.: A combined approach for eliciting relationships for educational ontologies using general-purpose knowledge bases. IEEE Access 7, 48339-48355 (2019)
- Villegas-Ch, W., Garcia-Ortiz, J.: Enhancing learning personalization in educational environments through ontology-based knowledge representation. Computers 12(10) (2023)
- Chumley, L.H., Harkness, N.: Introduction: QUALIA. Anthropological Theory 13, 1-2 (2013)
- Kauffman, S.A., Roli, A.: What is consciousness? Artificial intelligence, real intelligence, quantum mind and qualia. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 139(4), 530-538 (2023)
- Haikonen, P.O.: Qualia, consciousness and artificial intelligence. Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness 09(03), 409-418 (2022)
- Pandey, K.K., Jokhakar, V.: Research and applications of qualia – The unit of subjective experience. International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering 9(7), 207-214 (2020)
- Gomez, J.D.: A harder problem of consciousness: Reflections on a 50-year quest for the alchemy of qualia. Frontiers in Psychology 16, 01-04 (2025)
- Ross, P., Atkinson, A.P.: Expanding simulation models of emotional understanding: The case for different modalities, body-state simulation prominence, and developmental trajectories. Frontiers in Psychology 11 (2020) 58. Pagan, A., Loveland, K.A., Acierno, R.: Evaluating the emotional accuracy of AI-generated facial expressions in neurotypical individuals. Discover Computing 28, 116 (2025)
- Devillers, L., Cowie, R.: Ethical considerations on affective computing: An overview. Proceedings of the IEEE 111(10), 1445-1458 (2023)
- Wu, J.: Social and ethical impact of emotional AI advancement: The rise of pseudo-intimacy relationships and challenges in human interactions. Frontiers in Psychology 15 (2024)
- Baker, D., Tippireddy, M.K.R., Farhan, A., Ahmed, B.: Ethical considerations in emotion recognition research. Psychology International 7(2), 43 (2025)
- Wang, X.: The possibility of artificial qualia. Communications in Humanities Research 6(1), 67-71 (2023)
- Petrovica, S., Anohina-Naumeca, A., Ekenel, H.K.: Emotion recognition in affective tutoring systems: Collection of ground-truth data. Procedia Computer Science 104, 437-444 (2017)
- Fernandez-Herrero, J.: Evaluating recent advances in affective intelligent tutoring systems: A scoping review of educational impacts and future prospects. Education Sciences 14(8), 839 (2024)
- Alkhassawneh, S., Al Sharif, H.: Perspectives of brain research (educational neuroscience) on the design and implementation of teaching strategies in educational technology. Journal of Neuroeducation 5(2), 14-24 (2025)
- Luo, Y., Sun, L.: The effects of social and spatial presence on learning engagement in sustainable e-learning. Sustainability 17, 4082 (2025)
- Saragih, R.I.E.: Ai-powered education: Transforming learning through personalized and scalable solutions. International Journal of Information System and Innovative Technology 3, 1-9 (2025)
- Naayini, P.: AI and the future of education: Advancing personalized learning and intelligent tutoring systems. Frontiers in Educational Innovation and Research 1(1), 29-40 (2025)
- Wang, Y., Wang, Y.: A survey of ontologies and their applications in e-learning environments. Journal of Web Engineering 20(6), 1675-1720 (2021)
- Alseny, C., Ilham, D., El Kahatir, H.: Revolutionizing distance learning: The impact of on tology and the semantic web. Computer Sciences and Mathematics Forum 10(1), 16 (2025)
- Gutierrez, R., Villegas-Ch, W., Govea, J.: Development of adaptive and emotionally intelligent educational assistants based on conversational AI. Frontiers in Computer Science 7, 1628104 (2025)
- Abdullah, S.R.A., Al-Azawei, A.: Predicting online learners’ performance through ontologies: A systematic literature review. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 26(1) (2025)
- Seghroucheni, O.Z., Lazaar, M., Al Achhab, M.: Systematic review and framework for AI driven tacit knowledge conversion methods and machine learning algorithms for ontology based in e-learning platforms. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies 19(1), 126 (2025)
Izvor: Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on e-Learning (ELEARNING2025)
