Author: Gülay Güler
Publication date: 17.08.2024
Education, which has been changing and transforming for centuries, has developed and evolved with many innovations from past to present. Stone tablets were used in ancient times, tools such as letters and radios were used in the following periods, and with the advancement of technology, many innovations such as television and then computers have caused a dimension jump in education. However, the emergence of the idea of using Metaverse in the field of education is almost like a harbinger of a new era. Thanks to this vision that opens the door to a new era, virtual classrooms are candidates to radically change education. So, how Metaverse and virtual classrooms have the capacity to revolutionise education? This blog post discusses how Metaverse and virtual classrooms can transform education.
Metaverse and Education
There are many studies trying to determine the framework of the metaverse concept. The concept, first mentioned in Neal Stephenson's novel Snow Crash in 1992, has evolved from the past to the present. Of course, the Metaverse's attainment of the meaning we know today has been realised as a result of a transformation. When Stephenson first wrote his novel, there was more of a one-dimensional virtual universe perspective in the literature. In the following periods, with the emergence of the concepts of virtual and augmented reality and technological developments, a mixed reality approach was adopted. Mixed reality means that the boundaries between the virtual and the real world remain.
On the other hand, in the Metaverse, virtual classrooms are a platform where students can receive education without being tied to a specific physical space or classroom. The elimination of geographical boundaries in education also brings many opportunities. For example, Çağ University and Technological University Dublin offer a joint credited course in Second Life, a virtual world platform. Students from both universities meet with their avatars in virtual worlds and do group work. When students who took such a course and did group work for a semester were interviewed, they gave very positive feedback.
Transforming Education
The biggest advantages of taking courses in virtual classrooms are that the education is more student-centred, there are no time constraints and it can be personalised. In traditional methods, students are usually given an education appropriate to their general level, but this may be too difficult for some students while it may be too easy for others. In virtual classrooms, on the other hand, content can be adapted according to the needs of each student. Each student can access the content at any time and make the learning process more efficient in accordance with their own learning speed. In addition, learning in virtual worlds, which are highly visual in nature, can be made more fun by using gamification elements. Moreover, studies show that the education provided with virtual reality glasses is more memorable. Who wouldn't want to learn more permanent information in a more fun way!
Challenges and Obstacles
Although it is very promising, the necessary technological infrastructure for the implementation of Metaverse-based education needs to be completed and widespread. Many facilities such as fast internet, virtual reality equipment should be accessible. Of course, another challenge is for teachers who have adopted traditional teaching methods to adopt and adapt to this new method.
In summary, virtual classrooms in the Metaverse have the power to radically change education. However, the difficulties to be encountered in this transformation and adaptation process should not be ignored. Issues such as ensuring equality in the education process and the ability of teachers to adapt to these new technologies are important for the success of this new education model. The Metaverse holds exciting opportunities for the education of future generations. In some corners of the world, this education system has been partially implemented, and when the whole world is ready, the boundaries of learning for everyone will be redrawn.
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