Constructing an Edu-Metaverse Ecosystem: A New and Innovative Framework

TLDR

The Metaverse, a network of 3‑D virtual worlds that merges physical and virtual reality to enable multisensory interactions, is regarded as the third wave of the Internet and has spurred explosive research into its educational impact since 2022. The authors aim to explore Metaverse learning and propose a novel theoretical framework for designing metaverse learning environments, while also launching a special issue on the Metaverse and the Future of Education. The proposed ecosystem comprises four hubs—instructional design and performance technology, knowledge, research and technology, and talent and training—each governed by three wheels of infrastructure, technology access, and user rights and data security. The framework is expected to guide emerging research and development on Metaverse applications in education.

Abstract

The Metaverse is a network of 3-D virtual worlds supporting social connections among its users and enabling them to participate in activities mimicking real life. It merges physical and virtual reality and provides channels for multisensory interactions and immersions in a variety of environments (Mystakidis, 2022). The Metaverse is considered the third wave of the Internet revolution, and it is built on new and emerging technologies such as extended reality and artificial intelligence. Research on the impact of the Metaverse on education exploded in 2022. Here, we explore learning across the Metaverse and propose a new and innovative theoretical framework by reviewing literature and synthesizing best practices in designing metaverse learning environments. This ecosystem consists of four major hubs: 1) instructional design and performance technology hub; 2) knowledge hub; 3) research and technology hub; and 4) talent and training hub. Common to all four hubs are the factors in the three wheels: 1) infrastructure, business industry, and communication; 2) technology access and equity; and 3) user rights, data security, and privacy policy. We believe that this framework can help guide emerging research and development on the applications of the Metaverse in education. We also hope this article can serve as a launch pad for the special issue on the Metaverse and the Future of Education supported by the IEEE Education Society.