The metaverse has made its presence felt in a wide range of industries, and the education sector is no exception. Technology is programmed to make learning and teaching more engaging, effective, and extraordinary, and now is the time to find out how.
While 2023 is a bumpy ride, there are still momentous advances and game-changing technological innovations that are here to stay and will continue to evolve in 2024 and beyond.
Without a doubt, it’s the metaverse that stole the show. But the metaverse isn’t just a buzzword. In fact, technology has shown transformative power, proving that its popularity and adoption will continue to increase.
It should be noted that the application of the metaverse to education has aroused particular interest. Some believe that online learning has just gone mainstream, and now a handful of startups have begun to reimagine the future of education once again by working to embed the metaverse into everyday learning.
So, here in this blog, we are going to explain how the metaverse is transforming the education industry. And how can metaverse make learning and teaching more captivating, enjoyable, and efficient?
Let’s start!
Interesting Facts Of Metaverse In Education
- The global Metaverse in the Education market was valued at USD 4.39 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach a value of USD 32.39 Billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 39.50% over the forecast period.
- Revenue in the Metaverse Education segment is projected to reach US$56.73m in 2023. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2030) of 44.98%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$763.70m by 2030.
- Metaverse has been predicted to reach a commercial market worth $800 bn by 2024 as per the report published in Bloomberg.
- As per Statista, by 2030, there are expected to be 14.8 million users in the Metaverse Education segment.
- The metaverse experience is being experienced by over 400 million people.
- 25% of people are expected to spend more than an hour per day in the metaverse by 2026.
- Metaverse’s education market is expected to reach $18.7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 32.5 percent between 2020 and 2027.
Metaverse Education – Take a Glimpse to Understand In-depth!
The use of the metaverse for education can, in many ways, be considered another component of established ideas of virtual learning or eLearning. After all, these concepts are focused on providing learning opportunities in a virtual space – the educational platforms of the metaverse are designed to provide such opportunities.
In general, education in the metaverse is based on the use of avatars, digital representations of users, which students can use to interact with each other. Educators can also interact within these digital learning spaces using their own avatars, resulting in a classroom situation within a virtual learning environment.
Some people may already be familiar with the ways that games like Roblox and Minecraft have been used for education. These `virtual platforms are part of what is known as gamification of learning, which is the use of game elements to enhance student engagement and overall enjoyment.
However, not all virtual or metaverse platforms are focused on gamification. While some of these platforms may still include gamification elements, such as using a controllable avatar to explore the virtual environment, the aspect of social interactions should not be overlooked.
Students benefit from the opportunity to learn in a game-like environment, as that familiarity breaks down barriers that could cause social anxiety. This makes the metaverse an accessible tool that many students can benefit from, both educationally and socially.
How Can the Metaverse be Used by Various Subjects?
Science: Metaverse facilitates lab activities, allowing students to experiment in a virtual setting. For instance, they can dissect a virtual cockroach to learn insect anatomy or conduct experiments on Newton’s weight, gravity, mass, and other essential concepts.
Geography: Geography and Astronomy students can explore the solar system or the different layers of the earth or the constellations through the hyper-realistic visual experience that a metaverse offers.
Literature: In a metaverse, a novel or story can be recreated where students can enter and view the scenes as they unfold, helping them understand the story and better relate to the characters.
Art: Students can take a closer look at paintings by famous artists within the metaverse and be inspired to create their own digital artwork.
History: Any specific historical era can be recreated in a metaverse, where students can go and learn about it in an immersive way. For example, students can witness the French Revolution as if it were happening live.
Now, let’s proceed to know the benefits of Metaverse for the education sector.
How Metaverse is Transforming the Education Industry?
Metaverse in Education has the potential to transform the way we teach and learn by providing immersive, collaborative, and personalized learning experiences that can improve student motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. There are several advantages of using a metaverse in Education.
Advantages of Metaverse in Education
01- Immersive and engaging learning experiences
A metaverse in Education can provide students with a more immersive and engaging learning experience. This can increase student motivation and interest in learning, as students can explore and interact with the content more engagingly and interactively.
02- Collaborative learning
A metaverse in Education can promote collaborative learning, allowing students to collaborate on projects and activities in a virtual environment. This can help to develop teamwork and collaboration skills, which are essential for success in many professional fields.
03- Personalized learning
A metaverse for the education industry can be personalized, allowing students to access learning materials and activities tailored to their individual learning needs and interests. This can help improve learning outcomes by focusing on specific areas a student needs to improve on.
04- Gamification
Although students can be taught statically or passively and actively in an engaging way, the latter is the most effective as it can better teach the concepts. Metaverse does the same for students through gamification, which is the process of integrating something with game elements to encourage user engagement. Gamification in a metaverse combines both entertainment and learning to increase student engagement and engagement when completing fun tasks. This motivates students to continue learning and finish their assignments on time.
05- Accessible learning
A metaverse in Education is typically designed to be accessible to students with different needs and abilities. For example, it may have text-to-speech, closed captioning, and other accessibility features that make it easier for students with disabilities or other special needs to access the content.
06- Scalable learning
A metaverse for the education sector is designed to be scalable, allowing it to accommodate many students and courses. This can make it easier for educators to manage and deliver content to many students.
07- Cost-effective
A metaverse in Education can be cost-effective, as it can reduce the need for physical classrooms and other resources. This can help lower the education cost for both students and institutions.
08- Multimodal learning
A metaverse in the EdTech sector typically supports multiple modalities, such as text, images, video, and audio. This can help to accommodate different learning styles and preferences and make the learning experience more engaging and effective.
The Framework of the Metaverse in the Education Industry
Here is a discussion of each component of the technological infrastructure of metal in education.
#1- High-speed Communication And Networks
According to professionals, wireless communication and high-speed networks, such as 5G or 6G, are the basic requirements for the implementation and work of the metaverse world. Supported by high-speed networks, the metaverse can maintain fluency, stability, and low latency for data transmission, immediate feedback, scene presentation, and user connection. On the other hand, high-speed networks provide students with great opportunities to switch from the physical world to the educational environments of the metaverse seamlessly and remotely.
#2- Computing Technologies
Due to a multiplayer assembled space, the metaverse requires computing technologies such as cloud computing, edge computing, and distributed computing to process, store, switch, transmit, and exchange data and information between the real world and the virtual world, and between users. .
In this case, these technologies can help learners to store, use, and share learning data such as learner information, learning resources, and learning records in a more synchronized manner.
#3- Smart Wearable Device
Smart wearable devices include headsets or head-mounted displays (HMDs), smart glasses, etc., which can be divided into non-transparent, video-transparent, and optical-transparent.
Additionally, the smart wearable device can help students teleport from the real world to the metaverse and switch between the real and virtual worlds without restrictions.
#4- Avatar
In the metaverse, the avatar is the digital representation of the player’s character, that is, students and teachers. The support of real-time tracking technology, simulated technology, or recognition technology has made great improvements in the realism of avatars. Both students and teachers can customize their avatars, with some characteristics, i.e., style of dress, gender, and skin color similar or different from them.
For instance, a metaverse development company mentioned that details such as avatar students’ facial expressions and gestures can be captured and displayed live by scanning the physical appearance of users. Avatars can also be shared and manipulated with the same actions by users with controllers, sensors, or real-time tracking.
In other words, avatars can help students express themselves in a new, joyous, and completely immersive way, as well as give them a sense of being and embodiment when they experience the metaverse.
#5- Non-Player Character
In the metaverse-based learning environment, there are several special AI-powered roles in the metaverse: smart NPC students, smart NPC teachers, and smart NPC companions.
As indicated, these intelligent agents can play an essential role in supporting simulation, arbitrage, and decision-making for educational purposes. It implies that students have access to tutoring, assistance, discussions, and the opportunity to practice skills with NPCs in the metaverse world; In the meantime, teachers can simulate teaching with intelligent NPC students at any time.
In this sense, the provision of such intelligent agents can greatly satisfy personalized needs and enhance interaction for both students and teachers.
#6- Learning Scene
In the metaverse, various realistic learning scenes can be simulated and created using modeling and rendering technologies such as digital twins, VR, AR, XR, etc. fully virtual scenarios.
According to the learning contents, especially for those that cannot be easily seen in the real world, such as the universe, the sea, the forest, historical sites, etc. In addition, the construction of the learning scenes focuses more on details such as color. , texture, ornament, and more.
#7- Learning Resource
Due to modeling and rendering technologies, resources can be visualized in the metaverse, especially for invisible or abstract concepts, events, or items in the physical world.
In addition, relying on interaction technologies such as VR, AR, XR, or sensors, learning resources can be presented by multimodal means and allow students to partially or fully motivate their bodies to interact with them, providing feedback in real-time. and rich sensory experiences.
Also, due to decentralized technologies, the metaverse should allow learners to edit, create, and share learning resources. For example, the Roblox sandbox platform allows players to create works of a virtual nature, and the works can also be co-created and shared with other players.
#8- Analytical Technologies
With the rapid development of analytical technologies, related technologies such as AI, big data, and text mining have been considered useful tools in the educational field.
As noted by one AI solution provider, AI in the metaverse can play an important role in providing intelligent NPC tutors, intelligent NPC tutors, and intelligent NPC companions to support educational simulation and decision-making services. Therefore, integrating analytics technologies into the metaverse can help measure, track, collect, and analyze student learning data such as student behavior, emotions, preferences, and performance.
Furthermore, in light of this data, the metaverse can not only help teachers assess students holistically, but also provide them with personalized resources and services.
#9- Modeling and Rendering Technologies
The metaverse aims to create a kind of 3D digital space mixed with the virtual and real world, including various simulated or mirrored scenes, avatars, NPCs, etc. Currently, there are several modeling and simulation solutions to create virtual components.
The global trend of VR or AR research has also made it possible to build photorealistic 3D content; however, we believed that the metaverse is much more than VR or AR, but rather a concept closer to XR.
In this sense, modeling and rendering technologies are indispensable to building a vivid and colorful educational space with rich details and high fidelity. In addition, they provide great possibilities for some scenes and elements in education, which cannot be presented in the physical world, to be displayed in the metaverse world.
#10- Interaction Technologies
In contrast to the conventional Internet, the metaverse has only embodied multimodal interaction. Interaction technologies like VR, XR, sensors, real-time tracking, and IoT are necessary for user manipulations, navigations, collaborations, and sensory feedback in the metaverse.
With the support of interaction technologies, students can mobilize their bodies to participate in various exploratory learning, collaboration, and socialization activities, to stimulate different sensory organs and obtain feedback in real-time. To some degree, the metaverse can provide students with authentic and embodied learning experiences.
#11- Authentication Technologies
Some scholars claimed that the most representative authentication technology in the metaverse is blockchain, which can provide transparent, open, decentralized, and trustworthy services and protect user privacy so that the metaverse world has a sustainable ecosystem.
In this sense, blockchain can not only be used to make student data and work in the metaverse untraceable and untraceable, but also to prevent some negative issues, such as fraud or plagiarism.
It should be noted that the metaverse’s technological infrastructure and components in education are based on current technology. In addition, it is expected that with the evolution of technology, its features will continue to expand in the coming years.
#12- Learning Authentication
Compared to conventional virtual environments, the metaverse is a digital space that is more decentralized, shared, and open. It implies in the metaverse that the storage of student information should be managed and protected like other applications are placed. Today the cloud with high-security standards to prevent users’ privacy from being violated.
In addition, users’ virtual works or digital creations may be shared with others, and are expected to be tracked and protected. Technologies such as blockchain or NFT (non-fungible token) allow the authentication and tracking of student creations or work, which aims to keep the world of the metaverse safe, persistent, and sustainable.
Features of a Metaverse in Education
A metaverse in Education typically has several features that can enhance the learning experience for students. Here are some key features of a metaverse in Education:
1. Immersive and interactive
A metaverse for the education industry is immersive and interactive, allowing students to engage with the content and environment more naturally and intuitively. This can make the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable, as students can explore and interact with the content more interactive and immersively.
2. Collaborative
A metaverse in Education is typically designed to be collaborative, allowing students to collaborate on projects and activities in a virtual environment. This can promote teamwork and collaboration skills, which are essential for success in many professional fields.
3. Personalized
A metaverse in Education can be personalized, allowing students to access learning materials and activities tailored to their individual learning needs and interests. This can help improve learning outcomes by focusing on specific areas a student needs to improve on.
4. Accessible
A metaverse for the education sector is typically designed to be accessible to students with different needs and abilities. For example, it may have text-to-speech, closed captioning, and other accessibility features that make it easier for students with disabilities or other special needs to access the content.
5. Multimodal
A metaverse in Education typically supports multiple modalities, such as text, images, video, and audio. This can accommodate different learning styles and preferences and make the learning experience more engaging and effective.
6. Gamified
A metaverse in Education may also include gamification features, such as rewards, points, and badges. This can help to motivate students and make the learning experience more enjoyable.
7. Scalable
Metaverse for the education industry is typically designed to be scalable, allowing it to accommodate many students and courses. This can make it easier for educators to manage and deliver content to many students.
Applications of Metaverse in edTech
The metaverse has the potential to revolutionize edtech by providing immersive, interactive, and collaborative learning experiences.
The metaverse has the potential to transform the way we teach and learn by providing immersive, interactive, and collaborative learning experiences that can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Moreover, you can partner with a reputed education app development company to get top-notch education apps developed by skilled developers.
Some possible applications of a metaverse in edtech are:
1. Virtual classrooms and lectures
Metaverse technologies can create virtual classrooms and lectures where students can attend classes and lectures in a virtual environment.
These virtual classrooms can be accessed from anywhere in the world, making it possible for students to attend classes and lectures even if they cannot physically attend the classes.
2. Simulations and gamification
Metaverse technologies can create simulations and gamified learning experiences, which can help students understand complex concepts and develop problem-solving skills. For example, students can explore historical events or scientific phenomena in a virtual environment or practice problem-solving skills in a gamified environment.
3. Virtual field trips
Metaverse technologies can create virtual field trips where students can explore different parts of the world without leaving their classroom. For example, students can visit historical sites, museums, or natural habitats in a virtual environment.
This can provide a more immersive and engaging learning experience, as students can interact with the environment and explore it at their own pace.
4. Collaborative projects
Metaverse technologies can create collaborative projects where students can work together on a project in a virtual environment. This can lead to a more collaborative and interactive learning experience, as students can work together to achieve a common goal.
5. Personalized learning
Metaverse technologies can create personalized learning experiences where students can learn at their own pace and in their own way. For example, students can access personalized learning resources and activities in a virtual environment tailored to their individual needs and interests.
Metaverse in Education Trends
Metaverse in Education is an emerging trend gaining momentum in the field of Education. Metaverse in education trends is focused on creating a more immersive, engaging, and personalized learning experience for students and leveraging emerging technologies to achieve this goal.
Here are some of the key trends in metaverse in Education:
1. Increased adoption
Metaverse in Education is becoming more widely adopted as educators recognize its potential to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. More and more schools and universities are experimenting with metaverse in Education and incorporating it into their curricula.
2. Integration with AI and VR technologies
Metaverse in Education is integrated with other emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). This integration can provide a more personalized and immersive learning experience for students.
3. Gamification
Gamification is used to make metaverse in Education more engaging and motivating for students. This involves using game-like elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards to motivate students to learn and progress.
4. Mobile learning
Metaverse in Education is being made more accessible and mobile-friendly. This allows students to access and engage with metaverse content on their smartphones and other mobile devices, making learning more convenient and accessible.
The Future of Metaverse Education
It is essential to understand that metaverse education is still in its relative infancy, and as technology becomes more widely used and investments increase, there are many potential benefits that will materialize over time.
It remains to be seen how different companies will implement their own metaverse platforms and how these different metaverses will be able to interact with each other.
There are also some important gaps in the research, which we hope will be closed in the future. When this is achieved, it should provide greater certainty for educators, with clearer guidance on how to make the most of this technology.
Don’t Wait to Take Advantage of Metaverse!
The metaverse has the potential to transform the education industry in significant ways, providing a more engaging, collaborative, and personalized learning experience for students and helping to bridge the gap between traditional classroom-based learning and online learning.
If you want to be at the top over your competitors you must connect with Quytech- a renowned metaverse development company. We can create custom and content-driven solutions that increase the students’ passion for learning. As we all know, the implementation of metaverse development services in education is a specialized area of software. Thus, take your decision wisely!
