Exploring the possibilities of Edu-Metaverse: A new 3-D ecosystem model for innovative learning

This article discusses the transformative impact of technology on knowledge acquisition and sharing, focusing on the emergence of the metaverse as a virtual community with vast potential for virtual learning. Learning in the metaverse is found to enhance engagement, motivation, and retention, while fostering 21st-century skills. It also offers personalized and quality education, benefiting students in remote areas. This article explores the Edu-Metaverse ecosystem, which illustrates the interconnectedness of various metaverse components supporting sustainable and equitable learning. The study aims to investigate the alignment of this ecosystem model with teaching and learning activities in exemplary metaverse platforms, its role in fostering inclusive and sustainable learning environments, and how to enhance and rebuild it through 3-D modeling and real metaverse teaching settings experimentation. Throughout this article, the terms 'metaverse in education' and 'Edu-Metaverse' are used interchangeably. The metaverse is defined as a virtual shared space, ranging from fully virtual worlds, such as virtual reality to partially virtual ones, such as augmented reality. The Edu-Metaverse ecosystem encompasses technologies, platforms, and stakeholders responsible for virtual learning environments. Sustainability, in this context, entails designing systems that withstand environmental, economic, and social pressures while providing equitable and inclusive learning opportunities. Continuous engagement through missions and quests ensures sustainable learning experiences for students. This article highlights the potential of the metaverse to revolutionize education and emphasizes the importance of research before widespread implementation in educational institutions and talent development fields. The Edu-Metaverse ecosystem is presented as a promising framework for advancing virtual learning and fostering inclusive and sustainable education. Copyright © 2024 IEEE.