Tecnológico de Monterrey has left a mark by holding the first international master class in its metaverse. The initiative challenged the barriers of time and space, facing the three-hour time difference between Mexico and Chile. This pioneering program focused on the design of spaces and had the participation of forty students and seven teachers.
In a historic event for higher education, Tecnológico de Monterrey has left a mark by holding the first international master class in its metaverse, in collaboration with the prestigious University of San Sebastián in Chile.
Under architect and Tec Campus Querétaro professor Antonio Juárez’s direction, Mexican and Chilean students were immersed in an unprecedented educational journey.
“The students were able to develop different skills such as working as a team with emerging technologies and effective communication, and it is also worth highlighting that they were able to have an international experience,” he pointed out.
Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Bet on Education in the Metaverse
This pioneering program focused on the design of spaces and had the participation of 40 students, half from the Tec Campus Querétaro and half from the University of San Sebastián, along with 7 professors from both institutions. For five weeks, everyone was immersed in the fascinating Tec Virtual Campus, where traditional classrooms were transformed into immersive and collaborative experiences.
The initiative challenged the barriers of time and space, facing the three-hour time difference between Mexico and Chile. Despite this obstacle, students immersed themselves in mixed teams, creating avatars and designing sensory habitats that conveyed messages about crucial topics, from climate change to artistic inspiration.
The challenge was monumental: to design virtual installations that were not only visually striking, but also communicated deep emotions and messages. Among the tools they used to develop a design project are some virtual, mixed and augmented reality.
This creative process involved the use of cutting-edge tools, from initial sketches to 3D image models with SketchUp and augmented reality with SketchFab. This in addition to complete immersion in virtual reality with Mozilla Hubs and Twinmotion.
The project culminated with the presentation of these habitats in the Virtual Campus metaverse, where students and teachers shared their creations in a virtual auditorium before directors of both institutions. In addition, they took advantage of the VR Zone on the Querétaro campus for a completely immersive experience.
Tecnológico de Monterrey Builds One of the First Educational Metaverses in the World
What began as an experimental blockchain program is now projected as a scalable model that can be implemented in all Tec schools and campuses. The collaboration with the University of San Sebastián has further consolidated the Tec21 Educational Model. An approach based on challenges, flexibility and a memorable student experience.
Professor Juárez, leader of this initiative, presented findings from the project at an international forum in Seville, Spain. He highlighted the motivation, commitment and effective coordination among the students despite the distance.
Interaction in the metaverse not only developed technological skills, but also strengthened essential competencies for teamwork and effective communication, providing students with a unique international experience.
This exciting step into the university metaverse not only breaks virtual boundaries, but is also a testament to the vision of Tec de Monterrey and the University of San Sebastián for the creation of global educational opportunities.
In this ever-evolving virtual world, international collaboration in the metaverse is not just a possibility; it is possibly the new norm in higher education.
By Audy Castaneda
