The University of California, Irvine (UCI) is preparing for a transformational transformation as the Paul Merage School of Business embraces immersive, three-dimensional classrooms. These VR-ready experiences were created through an exciting collaboration with VictoryXR. result? Aptly called “Metaversity,” the school’s digital double was set up to enhance interaction between students and educators.
Characteristics of Metaversity
In the context of education, the metaverse emerges as an effective tool. It provides a learning environment enhanced by immersive experiences and supports real-world simulations, role-plays, and digital exploration. It also offers a variety of teaching resources that teachers can tailor to their students’ distinct needs and preferences.
Metaversity’s opening ceremony is eagerly anticipated with a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 2nd. Merage School plans to move its “Into the Metaverse” class to this interactive platform in the fall of 2023.
Merage School’s virtual representation accurately depicts the actual campus, allowing for a variety of possibilities. Beyond the limitations of traditional educational environments, this digital environment also opens new avenues for international graduates, current and prospective students, and business associates from around the world to engage on a single global platform.
‘Into the Metaverse’ class
The “Into the Metaverse” course, the first of its kind in the University of California system, will engage 40 students in a never-before-seen academic setting. Equipped with Meta Quest 2 headsets, students are ready to explore an immersive learning environment.
Tom Andriola, UCI Vice Chancellor for Data and Information Technology, said of this pioneering initiative: “Merage School’s digital twin represents the beginning of our university’s journey. By combining cutting-edge technology with a traditional academic environment, we are creating a new paradigm for the learning environment and planting the seeds for new experiences and models of engagement.”
conclusion
The establishment of Metaversity, a collaboration between UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business and VictoryXR, opens a revolutionary chapter in digital education.
We are starting to see this more often. For example, Northlands College recently launched its “Metaverse Campus,” establishing itself as one of the few institutions in Canada to offer an authentic campus experience in the Metaverse. From connecting a global community of learners and educators to facilitating interactive learning experiences, this venture contributes to defining the future dynamics of education.