<p>The integration of virtual reality exercises into adaptive learning environments represents a promising technological advancement in the digital transformation of higher education. The Higher Education Class of the Future (HECOF) is an Erasmus + European project aimed at shaping the classroom experience for the next generation of chemical engineers. This initiative seeks to drive systemic change by promoting innovative teaching practices and supporting national education reforms across Europe. HECOF combines digital tools with advanced teaching and learning methodologies, specifically designed for higher education, using artificial intelligence-driven adaptive learning and a virtual learning environment. Two chemical engineering schools participated in the project, one in Greece and one in Italy. At the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece, the project has been implemented within the School of Chemical Engineering, for the Unit Operations course, with a focus on the laboratory exercise of the extraction of phenolic compounds from olive leaves, using an advanced technique, the ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction. A group of undergraduate students participated in both guided and challenge-based versions of the experiment within the virtual environment. Their experiences were evaluated and monitored with a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative metrics from system performance and learning analytics with qualitative feedback from users. The HECOF system demonstrates strong potential to support the transformation of traditional education systems, aligning them with the needs of the digital era. It stands out as an exemplary model for educational laboratory experiments—not only within Europe but also on a global scale.</p>