Meta is partnering with several universities in the US and the UK to explore educational opportunities using its Quest VR devices. This initiative, known as the Meta for Education beta program, will involve over a dozen institutions, granting them early access to applications and features aimed at bringing otherwise inaccessible educational experiences closer to students. Institutions like Imperial College London, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Leeds are among the participating universities.
In Europe, Meta collaborates with VictoryXR to create digital twin ‘metaversities.’ By fall of this year, students at the University of Leeds, the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the University of Hannover in Germany will engage in remote, immersive classes. These virtual environments replicate their physical campuses, enabling new interactive ways for learning.
Monica Arés, Executive Director of Imperial IDEA Lab, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. “This moment is greater than any one institution or company. We need to come together in collaboration across the creators, the developers, educational institutions, research organizations, and tech companies to build this new learning ecosystem because it’s going to benefit every individual and industry,” said Arés. She noted that merging digital and physical worlds unlocks a new set of educational tools, enhancing the learning landscape.
Research supports the effectiveness of VR learning. A 2021 study by PwC highlighted that VR learners are 40% more confident in applying their knowledge and 150% more engaged during classes. Additionally, a survey by XR Association and the International Society for Technology in Education found that 77% of educators believe these technologies boost curiosity and engagement.
Despite initial enthusiasm for the metaverse, public interest seems to have waned recently, lacking a transformative breakthrough. However, initiatives like Meta’s educational project could redefine perceptions, potentially positioning the metaverse as a cornerstone of future educational landscapes.
