by Siju Philip, Head of Innovation at Global Indian International School Dubai
In the current digital age, the potential for technology to revolutionize education is immense. One of the most exciting and far-reaching technologies that could majorly impact school education is Metaverse. It is a virtual world platform that allows users to explore, create, collaborate and interact with 3D objects in an immersive environment.
Metaverse has tremendous potential for use in schools with its ability to create immersive, interactive, and simulated environments. For example, teachers can use this technology to provide an incredible learning experience for students by creating 3D surroundings wherein they can explore different topics.
Educators can create 3D models of complex systems such as the human heart or brain to explain their functions better. Using Virtual Reality (VR) technology, students can explore these 3D models up close without leaving their desks. This allows them to discover and study concepts more deeply than ever before. They can move around the model in real-time while also receiving audio commentary from their teacher, who explains why certain parts look a certain way.
Furthermore, the 3D environment allows students to ask questions and get personalised feedback from their teacher.
Metaverse also has the ability to transform group learning. Instead of having a lecture in one room, with everyone seated at desks, educators can create virtual classrooms where the students can interact with each other in an immersive setting. For example, they could discuss topics and present their ideas while standing on a stage or virtually explore places around the world, such as ancient ruins or outer space, to learn about them first-hand. Educators can eventually use Metaverse to create virtual programmes and activities designed for students of different ages, which could help make learning fun and interesting.
Metaverse has tremendous potential for use in schools with its ability to create immersive, interactive, and simulated environments
At Global Indian International School (GIIS) Dubai, we promote Metaverse-oriented education through interesting and age-appropriate lesson plans. We are also building STREAM subject content which will be exhibited on Metaverse for students across grades. We have also organised summer camps where Metaverse-related topics were explored and experienced by students from different schools.
In today’s world, Metaverse is perfectly positioned to take advantage of a new trend towards gamified learning. It allows educators to create virtual worlds explicitly tailored for learning purposes. For example, these virtual worlds could feature realistic simulations or even entire fantasy worlds, encouraging engagement through creative play-based activities.
Metaverse has tremendous potential for use in schools with its ability to create immersive, interactive, and simulated environments
The possibilities are almost limitless – from fun number games to immersive virtual reality experiences, Metaverse has the power to revolutionise the way students learn. Metaverse can even open up new ways for students to interact with each other and their teachers. For instance, by employing avatars in a virtual world, it’s possible to foster collaboration and teamwork between students regardless of their location. This opens up a whole new range of opportunities for intercultural exchange and global learning projects.
Moreover, Metaverse can offer unprecedented opportunities for educational analytics. By tracking how students interact with lessons, educators can gain insight into what works best for their students. They can then tailor class content accordingly to ensure maximum engagement and progress over time.
Metaverse is perfectly positioned to take advantage of a new trend towards gamified learning
In this way, the Metaverse can become a powerful platform for learning that goes beyond traditional teaching methods. As educators continue to explore its potential, Metaverse will become an integral part of how we learn in the future. All these prove that possibilities and applications are truly endless when it comes to learning with Metaverse in the future.
Siju Philip Head of Innovation at Global Indian International School Dubai and a NASA Certified Aeronaut-X Educator, has a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry and boasts comprehensive knowledge of IB, IGCSE, and CBSE.