The evolving landscape of education is witnessing a transformative wave as educators explore the potential of the metaverse. In Madrid’s SIMO technology fair, Educa360, a pioneering company founded in 2020, encounters educators seeking assistance in introducing high school students to the metaverse using virtual reality (VR) headsets. This real-life scenario underlines the growing interest and demand for immersive technological tools in education.
The metaverse, a parallel virtual universe, extends beyond traditional virtual reality, offering possibilities for diverse transactions using cryptocurrencies. Francisco Roncero, co-founder of Educa360, highlights the immense potential of technology in education, envisioning a future where augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and metaverse technologies coexist harmoniously.
Juan Cigarrán, an expert in AI in education, emphasizes the need to train teachers in utilizing metaverse content effectively. With the right combination of technology and teaching methodology, Cigarrán envisions a vast educational universe opening up. The metaverse not only enhances accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges but also caters to students in remote areas.
The metaverse’s potential for education goes beyond traditional VR experiences. Educa360 exemplifies this by creating immersive virtual environments for various subjects, allowing students to engage in multidisciplinary experiences. For instance, a physics lesson on ballistic trajectory could involve an archery simulation, enabling students to understand the strength of angles firsthand.
As the metaverse gains prominence, Educa360 provides educators with a program called EducaMaker, allowing them to customize content according to their teaching requirements. This approach empowers both teachers and students to actively participate in the learning process within the virtual environment.
Beyond individualized content creation, Educa360 introduces Educaverse, a metaverse service exclusive to educational initiatives. Schools utilize Educaverse to create digital copies of their premises, enabling virtual visits for prospective students and parents. Additionally, some institutions are developing their own currencies within the metaverse, rewarding students with virtual credits that can be utilized for tuition or course credits.
Looking ahead, Educa360 is finalizing agreements with universities, such as the Pablo de Olavide University, to offer microcredentials within traditional degree programs. These microcredentials cover various aspects of the metaverse, including legal issues, audiovisual production, 3D design, and marketing, fostering the emergence of a new breed of metaverse creators.
The metaverse’s integration into education signifies a paradigm shift, offering a dynamic and immersive learning experience that extends beyond traditional boundaries. As technology continues to advance, the metaverse holds the promise of becoming a significant component of future educational programs and degrees.
