Abstract:

The landscape of education is undergoing a profound transformation with the advent of digital technologies, fundamentally altering the methods of teaching and learning. While the utilization of virtual environments, known as the metaverse, in education is not a novel concept, its significance has surged in recent years. From the early days of experimenting with platforms like Second Life to the current era dominated by META's offerings, the educational potential of these virtual realms has been increasingly recognized. Especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, the computer screen has emerged as a vital educational arena. With statistics indicating that 76% of individuals rely on technology for their daily activities, it's evident that digital education, facilitated through screens and monitors, has become integral to our lives.

Now, the metaverse presents a fresh frontier for education, enabling students and educators to collaborate within virtual classrooms and interactive environments. These metaverses, whether in the form of 3D virtual worlds or immersive experiences facilitated by emerging technologies like VR, AR, and MR, offer novel educational avenues. By simulating diverse spaces and experiences, they facilitate a multifaceted educational approach that spans personal, social, and technical realms.

These technologies offer a deeply immersive 3D experience, allowing students to engage with interactive content, simulations, and 3D models within virtual learning environments. Through the manipulation of digital avatars and the rich visual environments, students can feel as if they are physically present in alternate spaces, enhancing their understanding of complex subjects.

While the benefits of integrating the metaverse into education are well-documented, particularly in enhancing engagement and understanding, its application in fields like engineering presents both promise and challenges. Content creation, technical requirements, and issues like interface suitability and lag in crowded virtual environments remain significant considerations.

At the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Technical University of Madrid), the METAVEX Educational Innovation Project aims to harness the potential of the metaverse within a blended teaching framework. Here, the metaverse is viewed as one of many educational spaces alongside traditional classrooms and online platforms like Moodle. The goal isn't solely to expand student engagement opportunities but also to foster inclusivity and diversity within the educational ecosystem, ensuring a supportive environment that respects varied perspectives and backgrounds.

Keywords:

Metaverse, Faculty development, Program development, Engineering studies, Innovation, Skills development, Technologies integration, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality.