As virtual reality (VR) continues to gain traction in educational settings, the ability to support effective group interactions in immersive environments has become increasingly critical. This talk presents a series of studies that investigate how smart technologies can enhance group discussions in VR by leveraging sensor data from commercially available VR devices. We explore the challenges of limited non-verbal communication in VR and introduce techniques to detect users’ speaking intentions—both expressed and suppressed—through analysis of temporal and behavioral patterns captured by headsets and controllers. Further, we examine how turn-taking coordination is influenced by factors such as interaction proactivity, participant roles, and communication quality. By identifying key interaction states and proposing adaptive feedback mechanisms, our work demonstrates the potential for sensor-based systems to assist discussion leaders and participants. Finally, we wrap up by reflecting on the educational implications of these technologies, highlighting how they can foster more equitable, engaging, and fluid group learning experiences in virtual environments.