The metaverse will launch us into a new dimension and radically transform the way we live. Our businesses, social connections, education and workplaces are all set to witness massive systematic and operational changes.
- Gartner predicts that by 2026, 25% of people will enter the metaverse and spend a minimum of 60 minutes in it.
- Moreover 30% of enterprises will offer metaverse ready products and services by 2026.
The metaverse is an alternate reality to our physical reality. It exists due to the internet and is considered as the next iteration of it. It is founded on the base of many sophisticated technologies like Blockchain, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, NFTs, and Artificial Intelligence etc. Moreover, we will access the metaverse as our avatars. They will represent us, our identity, our likes and preferences in the metaverse. Just as we have schools here, we will be able to learn in a metaverse school.
Educational institutes, corporates and users are exploring ways on replicating their services in the metaverse. From investing in metaverse land, virtual homes, to building schools and metaverse classrooms, they will all offer metaverse experiences.
The collective virtual space, will remove the barriers associated with physical location and geographical boundaries. It is expansive, persistent and scalable. Moreover, it will be easy to access through any type of device whether tablets
Or through head mounted displays. The metaverse will have its own running economy, based on digital currencies fuelled by Blockchain and NFTS.
The Metaverse has no Boundaries
The Metaverse is a collective virtual open space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical and digital reality. It is physically persistent and provides enhanced immersive experiences. The metaverse is a shared digital space. Many activities from socialising to shopping to learning will take place in the 3D simulated world.
The metaverse can be accessed from anywhere and users can converge in a virtual space based on their requirements or interests. The metaverse will enable a smooth navigation between the real world and the virtual one by transcending the boundaries seamlessly and make them redundant.
For example- if a person wants to check out a travel destination before actually going, they can go on a virtual trip and check it out as in real life. There is no need to plan dates or book airline or hotel tickets for a virtual trip. The geographical boundaries are erased.
How Virtual Classrooms in the Metaverse will Ease Physical Boundaries
The metaverse is an ideal platform for offering lifelike remote learning experiences. VR enabled classrooms are already in use and are used to train surgeons, engineers, pilots combat personnel etc.
A virtual metaverse classroom is an online space that simulates a live classroom.
The VR classroom is akin to a traditional live classroom. Educators and students can connect in the metaverse classroom at the same time in the same space in real time. They can access it from wherever they are located. They need not be in the same physical space to avail the benefits of a live class.
These classes offer a variety of modules and educational content. Lessons can be delivered through live teaching, videos, infographics, presentations etc. Learners can avail of them at their own pace and even revisit content if they need more clarification. They are flexible and student centric and allow self-paced learning needs.
The tools that are deployed with in these class rooms to offer an augmented learning environment include
- Videoconferencing – for peer to peer and teacher communication
- Whiteboard- as in the traditional classes for any explanations etc.
- Messaging, and Participation features
- Break out rooms for groups or teams to collaborate
The Benefits
The metaverse classroom will be able to address the existing gaps in the educational system. Education will not be limited by the four walls of the classroom and will extend beyond the physical boundaries. Students can avail of lectures by famous educators or personalities if in the metaverse. It will not be like attending a video streaming of the lecture but the experience will be more lifelike.
The benefits include
- Deeper learning insights
- Better academic outcomes
- No limitations due to distance or location
- Easily accessible
- Inclusive as it can take into account learners with special needs
- A variety of ways to disseminate content
- Maintain educational continuity
Wrapping Up
To wrap up, virtual classrooms are offering a level playing field. Students can access them from anywhere in the world and get professionally qualified. This is very empowering as they do not need to worry about associated costs of travel and shifting base to campus. They are helping to democratize and decentralize education that can have impacts beyond our current comprehension right now.
Edverse is an education metaverse solutions provider offering innovative metaverse classrooms aimed at promoting decentralized and democratized education.