6 benefits of immersive learning with the metaverse

This technology can also cater to a variety of other needs too. For example, subtitles or speech-to-text technology could assist those with hearing impairments, and the ability to control a metaverse avatar could aid students who may struggle in certain social situations and even those who have difficulties with anxiety-inducing behaviors. 

3) Versions of the metaverse are accessible on many different types of technology

Immersive learning with the metaverse provides many of the advantages associated with concepts like virtual learning and eLearning, such as the ability to access relevant content on a variety of devices. While there are still challenges associated with the digital divide and access to technology, this gap is shrinking all the time, especially with smartphones widening access to digital content and software.

As a result of these two trends, it is fair to say that widespread access to the metaverse is now possible, and this access is only going to increase in the future. This means that immersive learning through the metaverse should be accessible to a much larger number of students all around the world, and this audience will be ever-growing.

Using the UNIVERSE by ViewSonic metaverse platform as an example, the relevant software is already available for devices running Microsoft’s Windows or Apple’s iOS operating systems. Support for macOS and Android will follow, meaning it will be able to be used on desktop or laptop computers and smartphones or tablets without the need for any other accessories. Support for virtual reality headsets will also be available, providing optional extended reality experiences.

All of this means that immersive, metaverse learning is already accessible to people with computers and smartphones, and the range of options is only going to grow. Students who have access to these devices at home will be able to participate from anywhere that suits them, while other students can be provided access to technology at school.

4) Collaborative learning can be enhanced and made easier

Collaborative learning is already an important educational trend, but it is going to become an even more significant trend in the future. We are already seeing a greater number of schools taking an interest in student-centered learning, as well as active learning, and collaborative efforts can assist with this.

As with other forms of learning, collaborative learning can be made better by immersing students in experiences that they care about and gain enjoyment from. To take the previous example about learning about stars and space, the power of the metaverse means this can be turned into a multi-learning opportunity with different objectives. And it provides the possibility for students to work together in order to achieve some of those objectives, too.

The metaverse can also help collaborative learning to feel more realistic. To offer up another example of this, imagine a group of medical students learning important techniques for surgery. It is fair to say that experience in the field is essential, but sometimes this can also be difficult to deliver on a regular basis. With the metaverse, a team of medical students could work together in a virtual recreation of a surgery room and apply their collective knowledge.

Ultimately, all of this means that collaborative learning can be enhanced through the metaverse but also made easier and more accessible. There would no longer be a need to wait for facilities to become available or find the ideal time to meet up because physical meetings and collaborative sessions are replaced by virtual meet-ups.

5) Modern students can learn expected future skills in a relatable environment

The overwhelming majority of modern students are extremely tech-savvy and are often described as digital natives. This is because they have grown up in an age where computers and the internet are readily available. Whether they spend time on apps like TikTok or are interested in esports, these students are constantly making use of digital technology. So, it makes sense for educators to capitalize on this shift and meet students where they already are.

The idea of ‘edutainment’ is certainly a growing trend and an area that the metaverse can help to cater to. Nevertheless, in order to maximize learning outcomes, other elements like social interaction must also be factored into the equation. In general, the current generation of students is more likely to engage with gamification elements or with social media platforms. Thus, recreating relevant features for learning can have a positive impact.

When metaverse platforms are carefully designed, they can provide a great way for students to learn skills that they are expected to learn while operating in an environment that feels familiar and relatable.

Overall, immersive learning delivered through a metaverse platform, like UNIVERSE by ViewSonic, is able to provide a much more engaging space for learning. In this virtual world, students are able to experiment and learn safely in an environment that allows adaptability to their needs and comfort.

6) Immersive learning with the metaverse could be the future of workforce learning

When exploring educational needs, a big topic of discussion is related to workforce training and ensuring that students leave school with the required skills to succeed in future employment. One area where immersive learning through the metaverse could offer real potential is by helping to standardize learning across education and employment.

It is already the case that some human resources (HR) departments and other corporate teams, such as marketing, have started to turn to online training for the onboarding of employees and training in new systems and software. That’s because this allows companies to onboard multiple new recruits and train many employees at the same time. The current generation of students is already used to online learning from school so they may find this easier to adapt to.

The concept of online onboarding in the workplace is also likely to follow the pattern of online learning and move into the metaverse space. This is especially likely, given the rise of remote working models and the challenges of online onboarding—as pointed out in an article published by the Harvard Business Review.

Therefore, it is fair to say that metaverse learning in schools could help to prepare students for employment because skills learned through the metaverse, including collaboration, will carry over directly.

Final Thoughts

The metaverse is one of the latest developments in the digital transformation of education. Its ability to provide immersive learning experiences using digital devices and the internet means that students can enjoy more engaging lessons and greater autonomy, while the technology itself also offers significant accessibility benefits. Read more about accessibility in the classroom, or how to teach tech-savvy students using metaverse avatars, or if you haven’t yet, visit UNIVERSE by ViewSonic. 

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