The latest buzz around web 3.0 and metaverse has warranted a shift in how we interact with the future internet. Metaverse and AR/VR technologies will help bridge the gap between the physical and virtual realms for users to have an immersive experience without even stepping out of their homes!
The education industry has been unable to tap the underrated metaverse application. However, ed-tech companies are trying to bridge the gap and explore opportunities in this arena. Exploring these opportunities is the right step forward, keeping in mind the trends that can aid students in learning and retaining knowledge in engaging environments.
Metaverse will enable students to attend classes virtually and become proficient in subjects by understanding the core concepts with striking clarity. In addition, learners can avail the help of 3D learning tools, visual learning aids and access to experts for instant doubt-solving from the tap of a gadget.
In the next section of this blog, let’s discuss the advantages of a metaverse in education and how it will help learners expand their skillset.
How Will The Metaverse Affect Education?
Take a look at the four ways in which we believe metaverse will prove advantageous to young learners:
1. Encouraging Communication
The COVID-19 pandemic created a sudden need for online education, and every educator had to adapt to the e-learning module. One of the biggest drawbacks of learning through screens was the limited interaction and communication between the teacher and the student. Metaverse in education will dissolve this disconnect. It would allow users to study in groups, where students and instructors can share educational files, clarify doubts and test their knowledge by playing quizzes. It will create a learning ecosystem surpassing the need for classroom teaching in the coming years.
2. Creating an Interactive Meta-Classroom
Introducing metaverse to online learning can open up many possibilities for young learners. For example, interaction with life-like objects would help understand concepts better. This sense of realism is essential to keep learners engaged and grasp concepts effectively. In addition, schools and educators will be able to create ‘educational rooms’ tailored to suit the needs of each learner. These rooms will be dedicated to helping a student with a particular topic and offer the perfect balance between theory and practical application.
3. Supporting Immersive Learning
Immersive learning might very well be on its way to becoming the future of education. With supporting technologies like Virtual and Augmented Realities, learners can immerse themselves in a virtual world that enhances the learning experience. It will help students retain information better, engage more and apply the theory they learned to better practical use. For example, VR/AR technologies can help depict the working of all parts of a human body or even allow students to understand the human anatomy with life-sized 3D illustrations.
4. Gamifying Learning
While several studies indicate learning via games can significantly increase a child’s retention capacity, very few educators have made exclusive use of it. When you gamify learning, you are making it fun and effortless for the student to master any area of knowledge. Take a look at the benefits of teaching through games:
- It improves the problem-solving scope of a child
- Provision for real-time feedback for self-improvement
- Enhances critical thinking
- Increased focus on the given tasks
Game-based activities that combine VR/AR with the metaverse experience are a ground-breaking innovation in education. The earlier instructors can tap into this industry, the more benefits they will provide young scholars.
Do you find the metaverse concept intriguing, or do you reckon it will be short-lived and will not have the projected impact on e-learning? Please share your thoughts in the comments below:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) What is metaverse?
Ans) The Metaverse is built on the convergence of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, which enable networked immersive experiences with virtual environments and people.
Q2) How will the metaverse affect education?
Ans) Metaverse can create excellent opportunities for learners by enabling an immersive experience in a digital classroom environment. Students will be able to interact with peers and teachers, share course content and conduct discussion forums.
