World-leading educational institutions embrace the Metaverse as a ground for educational innovation in this new digital age.
In recent years, humanity has witnessed the constant evolution of education, which has been mainly driven by digital technologies. Going from using pocket calculators to iPads and tablets in current times. The change has been extraordinary. Museums and galleries around the world have adopted touch screens and interactives. Despite these advances, the question arises: how far can technologies take us in education?
This is where the concept of the Metaverse comes into play, the next evolution of the Internet. This new frontier encompasses technologies such as virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) glasses and mixed reality (MR) experiences, all designed to provide a more intense and social experience. Unlike 2D technologies, the Metaverse seeks to offer a sense of presence, a key element in the learning process.
The integration of the Metaverse in education has ceased to be a futuristic vision and has become a tangible reality. This revolutionary way of learning is transforming the way students interact with knowledge, providing immersive and revolutionary educational experiences.
Limitless Learning in the Metaverse
Instead of simply telling students about dinosaurs, the Metaverse allows them to walk among them. The ability to create virtual environments means that the barriers of time and space become shorter and shorter, thus providing learning opportunities.
In this space it is also possible to build complete science laboratories, full of sophisticated equipment, overcoming the budgetary limitations that many schools face in real life.
Additionally, academic studies support the idea that virtual reality can improve students’ understanding, knowledge retention, engagement, and motivation.
Bridging the Educational Gap through the Metaverse
In a survey conducted by the University of Maryland Global Campus of students who met virtually with tutors and classmates, highlighting the positive impact of virtual reality on academic interaction, it was found that for some, adopting the form of an avatar reduced the fear of talking to teachers and collaborating with classmates.
According to Gartner, a leading information technology research and consulting company, it predicts that by 2026, approximately 25% of the population will spend at least one hour a day in this digital environment. This forecast reflects the growing relevance and acceptance of the Metaverse in everyday life and of course in education.
Leading Universities Embrace the Metaverse
In the realm of higher education, the University of Tokyo has taken an interesting initiative by offering a variety of courses on engineering and Metaverse technologies directly within this digital space. These courses will be taught through its engineering graduate schools, marking a significant milestone in the integration of Metaverse technology into academic education.
Harvard Business School, recognized worldwide, has brought together 90 alumni from 28 countries in the Metaverse to share a virtual meeting on the occasion of the launch of a book by organizational behavior specialist professor Ranjay Gulati.
Embracing Opportunities
The Metaverse is not only disrupting the way people learn and work, it is also shaping new opportunities for research, collaboration and innovation around the world.
As these technologies continue to transform education, it is important that governments play a crucial role in their proper implementation. Visionary educational administrators must lead the creative adoption of these technologies in schools and universities, establishing best practices to inspire others.
Nevertheless, the essential component remains widespread teacher training. Since no technological advance can reach its full potential without educators trained to make the most of these tools.
By Leonardo Perez
