Technology workers use the term “metaverse” to describe what comes after the internet, anticipating a future in which physical and digital worlds coexist. This concept is also known as “mirror world,” “spatial internet,” and “AR cloud.” The phrase “metaverse” is now the most popular. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s CEO, made headlines in October 2021 when he relaunched the social media site as ‘Meta’ for the creation of the metaverse and, maybe, the metaverse for education.
What is Metaverse?
The phrase “metaverse” refers to a shared virtual area that many people may access over the internet. It is frequently used to describe virtual worlds produced and maintained by computer programmers, in which users may interact with one another as well as with virtual items and settings.
Science fiction popularized the notion of a metaverse, which has been the topic of debate and inquiry for decades. It is frequently portrayed as a location where individuals may go to escape the limits of the physical world and engage in a wide range of activities such as socializing, gaming, and artistic expression.
How metaverse will helpful in Education
The capacity to construct immersive learning experiences is one of the primary benefits of the metaverse for education. Students can encounter thoughts and ideas in the metaverse in ways that are not conceivable in the actual world. A student studying the solar system, for example, can visit each planet and compare their size and distance from the sun. A student studying ancient civilizations can go to the Pyramids of Giza or the Colosseum to see how they were built and used. Immersive experiences can assist students in better understanding and remembering the subject they are studying.
The capacity to interact with other learners and professionals from across the world is another advantage of the metaverse for education. Students may work with peers and connect with instructors and subject matter experts from any location in the metaverse. This can help students gain a more diversified perspective on the content they are studying by facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources.
The metaverse has the ability to give students with individualized learning experiences. The metaverse can adjust to a student’s particular demands and learning style by using artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide them with personalized information and resources that are suited to their specific goals and needs.
Finally, the metaverse can give kids access to education who might not have had the opportunity to learn in a regular classroom setting. Students who reside in remote places or have infirmities that make it impossible for them to attend school in person can, for example, use the metaverse to access educational resources and connect with their peers and teachers.
In conclusion, the metaverse has the potential to transform education by providing immersive learning experiences, connecting learners and experts from around the world, personalizing learning experiences, and providing access to education for students who may not have had the opportunity to learn in a traditional classroom setting. As technology advances and evolves, the metaverse is expected to become an increasingly significant tool for educators and students alike.
Prerequisites for engaging with the metaverse
There are several prerequisites for engaging with the metaverse for education, including:
- Access to the necessary hardware and software: In order to access and participate in the metaverse, students and educators will need to have access to computers, tablets, or other devices that are capable of running the software required to access and interact with the virtual world.
- Internet connectivity: The metaverse is accessed through the internet, so students and educators will need to have reliable internet connectivity in order to participate.
- Familiarity with the technology: Students and educators should be familiar with the technology and software required to access and navigate the metaverse. This may require some training or education on the part of the users.
- A clear understanding of the learning objectives: It is important for educators to have a clear understanding of the learning objectives they hope to achieve through the use of the metaverse, and to design learning experiences that are well-suited to this medium.
- A supportive and inclusive learning environment: In order for students to fully engage with the metaverse and to get the most out of their learning experiences, it is important for the virtual environment to be supportive and inclusive. This may involve providing accommodations for students with disabilities, as well as creating a safe and respectful community for all users.
Metaverse in Other Domains
There are a number of brands that are using the metaverse in various ways, including:
Virtual events and conferences
Many brands are using the metaverse to host virtual events and conferences, allowing attendees to participate from anywhere in the world. For example, the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has recently been held in a virtual format, with attendees able to visit virtual booths, watch demonstrations, and participate in panel discussions.
Virtual retail experiences
Some brands are using the metaverse to create virtual retail experiences, allowing customers to browse and purchase products in a virtual environment. For example, IKEA has created a virtual reality app that allows customers to explore a virtual showroom and view products from different angles.
Virtual entertainment experiences
The metaverse is also being used to create immersive entertainment experiences, such as virtual concerts, movies, and games. For example, the virtual reality platform Oculus has partnered with movie studios to offer virtual reality versions of popular films.
Virtual training and onboarding
Many companies are using the metaverse to train and onboard employees, allowing them to practice tasks and skills in a virtual environment before applying them in the real world. This can be particularly useful for industries that require hands-on training, such as construction or manufacturing.
Virtual real estate and tourism
The metaverse is also being used to create virtual real estate and tourism experiences, allowing people to visit and explore virtual versions of real-world locations. For example, the virtual reality platform VR Chat has partnered with the tourism board of Taiwan to create a virtual version of the country that allows users to visit and explore popular landmarks and attractions.
