By Delia Perla, with contributions from Barry Gillespie
The presence of a custom Metaverse and the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twins now present an opportunity for higher education institutions to revolutionize their approach to teaching, research, and campus management.
Digital twins can leverage the Metaverse to improve resiliency and sustainability by efficiently utilizing technologies and practices that minimize energy waste while generating the same amount of power.
This article explores why universities should embrace these technologies now and how they can leverage them to create more engaging, efficient, and future-ready educational experiences. When referencing Metaverse in this article, it does not refer to the company Meta in any way. Custom Metaverses are interconnected networks of 3D worlds accessed through augmented reality technologies.
Understanding the Foundation: Digital Twins
Before delving into the Metaverse in education, it's crucial to understand the concept of Digital Twins. As explored in my previous article, "What is a Digital Twin?" a Digital Twin is a virtual representation of a physical object, process, or system.
Digital Twins use real-time data to create a living, evolving digital model that can be used for various purposes, including simulation, analysis, collaboration, and prediction. These benefits include better space management and energy efficiency, which are crucial for sustainable campus operations.
Digital Twins can also be used to develop digital replicas of equipment and experiments, allowing for remote access and reducing physical wear and tear.
1. Campus Infrastructure: Create virtual models of buildings, classrooms, and laboratories for better space management and energy efficiency.
2. Educational Resources: Develop digital replicas of equipment and experiments, allowing for remote access and reducing physical wear and tear.
3. Student Learning Journeys: Track and analyze individual student progress through digital representations of their academic paths. This encompasses various career paths, integrating technology, urban planning, sustainability, and public policy.
Here are career paths within this field:
Urban Planners: These professionals focus on designing and managing urban spaces to improve quality of life, incorporating smart technologies to optimize land use and infrastructure.
Data Analyst/Scientist: Analyzes data from various city sensors and platforms to inform decision-making, improve services, and enhance urban living.
IoT Specialist: Works on implementing and managing Internet of Things (IoT) devices that collect data and automate city services, such as traffic management and waste collection.
Software Developer: Designs and develops applications and platforms that support innovative city initiatives, such as mobile apps for public transportation or energy management systems.
Sustainability Consultant: Advises on best practices for sustainable urban development, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource management.
Transportation Engineer: Develops smart transportation systems, including traffic management solutions and public transit optimization, to enhance mobility in urban areas.
Cybersecurity Specialist: This position protects smart city infrastructure from cyber threats and ensures the security of data and systems used in urban management.
Project Manager: Oversees smart city projects, coordinating between stakeholders, managing budgets, and ensuring projects meet their objectives and timelines.
Public Policy Analyst: Studies and develops policies related to smart city initiatives, focusing on regulatory frameworks, public engagement, and funding opportunities.
Telecommunications Engineer: Designs and maintains the communication networks necessary for smart city technologies, ensuring connectivity and data transmission.
Smart Grid Engineer: Works on developing and managing innovative grid technologies, optimizing energy distribution and consumption in urban areas.
Community Engagement Specialist: This position focuses on involving citizens in the planning and implementation of smart city projects and ensuring that initiatives meet the community's needs.
Environmental Scientist: Studies the environmental impact of urban development and smart technologies, working on solutions to mitigate adverse effects.
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineer: Develops AI and machine learning models to analyze urban data, predict trends, and optimize city services.
The Metaverse: Beyond Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is becoming a growing utility in some classrooms, with students using VR glasses or headsets.
According to Gartner, 25% of people will spend at least an hour per day in the metaverse by 2026, and by the same year, 30% of all organizations will have products and services ready for it.
The Metaverse takes the concept of Digital Twins to a new level by creating a persistent, shared, 3D virtual space where these digital representations interact.
We have now experienced, through some devices like Apple’s Vision Pro, how one can be teleported to locations, giving a new level of equity access. For universities, the Metaverse offers a platform to go beyond the VR many classrooms adopt.
The Metaverse has the potential to revolutionize the way we design and access learning environments.
Creating Virtual Campuses and Classrooms: Provide flexibility because students can access it from anywhere. This can significantly enhance the online learning experience, meet ADA needs, and provide predictive purposes for online simulation for new and existing students.
Facilitate Global Collaboration: Allow students and researchers from different institutions to collaborate in shared virtual spaces. We are at a place in our history where AI can bridge languages, real-time translation, and the ability to collaborate research efforts in this virtual space.
Enhance Practical Training: Offer realistic simulations for fields like medicine, engineering, data science, and architecture without the limitations of physical resources. Harvard and Stanford medical schools have already used VR headsets for immersive learning. An entire Metaverse can create contextual environments without using a headset or devices and bring them to your browser.
The concept of a browser-accessible Metaverse represents a paradigm shift in how we approach immersive digital experiences in education.
By eliminating the need for specialized hardware, this approach drastically reduces barriers to entry, making Metaverse adoption more feasible and cost-effective for both institutions and students.
From a business perspective, this increased accessibility expands the potential user base, accelerating adoption rates and return on investment. It allows universities to implement Metaverse solutions without the substantial upfront costs associated with VR hardware deployments.
Moreover, the ability to deliver rich, contextual learning environments through standard web browsers aligns with the growing demand for flexible, technology-enhanced education. This approach positions institutions to quickly scale their digital offerings, potentially capturing market share in the rapidly growing online education sector.
The Growing Potential of the Metaverse in Education
Recent data underscores the significant potential of the Metaverse in education:
According to Statista, the projected value of the Metaverse Education market in 2024 is estimated to be US$1.0 billion [1].
The market is set to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42.41% from 2024 to 2030, reaching a market volume of US$8.3 billion by 2030 [1]. This rapid growth underscores the urgency for universities to embrace the Metaverse and AI in education. The number of users in the Metaverse Education market is forecasted to reach approximately 9.1 million by 2030 [1].
The user penetration rate is expected to grow from 0.8% in 2024 to 2.6% by 2030 [1].
These projections underscore the increasing demand for immersive and interactive learning experiences, particularly in the United States, where schools and universities increasingly adopt virtual learning environments [1]. This trend highlights the necessity for universities to adapt to these changes to remain competitive in the education sector.
Why Universities Should Leverage AI and the Metaverse Now
While many are activating AI into the systems and functions of operating colleges and universities - there are several reasons why it could be advantageous for institutions to consider it now.
1. Stay Competitive in a Changing Educational Landscape
As online and hybrid learning models become more prevalent, universities that embrace Metaverse technologies will have a significant advantage in attracting students and faculty. This is particularly crucial given the current challenges facing higher education:
According to the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, 30 American colleges folded in the first ten months of 2023, and 48 closed in 2022 [2].
E&Y Research suggests that approximately 10% of universities are financially risky [2].
2. Address the ROI Challenge in Higher Education
Universities today face significant economic pressures from declining enrollment and rising operational costs. Many institutions are exploring ways to diversify their revenue streams to address these challenges, with online education emerging as a promising avenue.
The Metaverse presents an opportunity to tap into a broader student base, including national and international learners who may need help to attend classes in person. However, the key challenge lies in developing these online offerings in a way that complements rather than detracts from the traditional in-person experience.
By leveraging Metaverse technologies, universities can create high-quality, immersive online learning experiences that attract new students and generate additional revenue without compromising the value of their on-campus programs. This balanced approach allows institutions to expand their reach and financial stability while maintaining the integrity of their core educational offerings.
According to the Education Data Initiative [2], the average cost of four years of American university education is $109,000 (public) or $223,000 (private). This contrasts with recent graduates' average annual salary of $60,000 (New York Fed) [2].
The average borrower takes 20 years to repay student loan debt (Education Data Initiative) [2].
By leveraging AI and Metaverse technologies, universities can offer more cost-effective and valuable educational experiences, improving students' ROI.
Certificates are increasing, and different models are emerging to provide varied learning opportunities.
3. Prepare Students for the Future Workforce
As AI models improve and become better assistants, labor demand will be affected:
Morgan Stanley's AI Index suggests that generating, organizing, processing, and interpreting information and thinking creatively are among the top work activities impacted by Generative AI [2].
Deloitte reports that innovation-oriented employers increasingly favor skills-based hiring [2].
Universities must adapt their curricula to prepare students for this changing landscape, and Metaverse technologies can play a crucial role in developing these skills. This was referenced earlier in this article about the career paths students can take.
4. Respond to Changing Student Preferences
Students are increasingly seeking education programs with solid business ROI:
Enrollments in 2-year colleges with high vocational focus rose 16% in 2023, compared to a 1% growth in total undergraduate enrollments (National Student Clearinghouse) [2].
Apprenticeship programs are gaining popularity, with nearly 600,000 participants in the USA and over 600,000 in the UK as of 2023 (World Economic Forum) [2].
The Metaverse can help universities create more practical, skills-focused learning experiences that align with these trends.
5. Expand Research Capabilities and Global Collaboration
The Metaverse provides new data collection, analysis, and visualization avenues, potentially accelerating research across various disciplines. It also facilitates global collaboration, allowing researchers from different institutions to collaborate in shared virtual spaces.
6. Improve Accessibility and Inclusivity
Virtual environments can break down physical barriers, making education more accessible to students with disabilities or those in remote locations. This is particularly important given the demographic challenges:
The US addressable market for universities declined in the last census, with the number of children under 18 falling 1.4% to 73 million in 2020, compared with 74 million in 2010 [2].
7. Enhance Campus Management and Sustainability
AI-powered Digital Twins can optimize resource allocation, energy usage, and maintenance schedules, leading to more efficient and sustainable campus operations. This is crucial as universities face rising operational costs and environmental concerns.
Implementing Metaverse and AI Technologies in Universities
To successfully leverage these technologies, universities should consider the following steps:
1. Invest in Infrastructure: Upgrade network capabilities and acquire hardware to support Metaverse applications. ( Bizztech Voem's partnership with HPE can solve this. )
2. Develop Digital Literacy Programs: Train faculty, staff, and students to use and create content for the Metaverse.
3. Foster Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage cooperation between computer science, education, and other departments to develop innovative applications.
4. Partner with Tech Companies: Collaborate with industry leaders to stay at the forefront of Metaverse and AI developments.
5. Create Ethical Guidelines: Establish clear policies for data privacy, intellectual property, and responsible use of AI in educational settings.
6. Focus on Skills-Based Learning: Develop curricula emphasizing practical skills and aligning with employer needs in the AI-driven job market.
7. Explore New Revenue Models: Leverage Metaverse technologies to create new educational products and services, potentially improving the university's financial outlook.
Integrating the Metaverse, AI, and Digital Twins in universities and training environments is about more than adopting new technologies; it's about reimagining the future of education.
By embracing these innovations, universities can create more engaging, accessible, and compelling learning experiences while preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world.
As we stand on the brink of this educational revolution, the question for universities is no longer whether to adopt these technologies but how quickly and effectively they can be implemented to stay ahead in the competitive landscape of higher education. With the Metaverse Education market projected to reach US$8.3 billion by 2030 [1], universities that fail to adapt risk being left behind in an increasingly digital and AI-driven educational ecosystem.
References:
[1] Statista. (2024). Metaverse Education market projections.
[2] BOND. (2023). AI in Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities.
[3] Smart Mission. http://www.kashmirmagazine.net/Smart-Mission--2807
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