The notion of the metaverse isn’t something new. Back in 2007, when I was starting out as a beginning teacher, a rival junior college was already using Second Life to teach current affairs and argumentative writing skills to its students. However, with the advent of virtual reality and augmented reality, digital spaces have been made more realistic and attractive. And of course, now that Facebook has rebranded itself to Meta, the metaverse evokes this so-cool-that-it-hurts vibes.
So what are my thoughts on the metaverse as a professional teacher? Personally, I applaud the move. Currently, gamification is in vogue in education as that’s this prevailing school of thought that incorporating quests and missions into online assignments will boost the students’ motivation level and enhance their love for learning. I agree with the supporters of gamification here, but lament how students don’t get the opportunity to hone their social skills. If they are given their iPad or laptop and asked to complete various tasks, they lose out on the chance to form their opinions, listen to opposing views and practise empathy. Hence, the metaverse sounds like a great idea because it allows us to interact with people from all over the world in the digital realm. It’s like we are forced to communicate!
The metaverse can also be leveraged to draw students out of their comfort zone. Adolescence stipulates that teenagers be super self-conscious of their actions and appearance, so most of them are not that keen on expressing themselves. The metaverse allows them to take on personas and customise their avatars accordingly. Hence, some teenagers may be empowered to let go of their inhibitions and speak their mind with fellow participants in the metaverse. Some of you may object because this method may bring about inauthentic as teenagers try to be someone they are not, but I believe that it’s precisely due to them adopting a different identity that they will gain self-confidence gradually. Hopefully, this increased self-confidence will help them to grow more comfortable in their own skin.
Lastly, I think that the metaverse broadens students’ worldview because they are exposed to diverse places in such digital spaces. Take for instance JP Morgan who set up the first virtual bank in Decentraland. Even McDonald’s wants to venture into the metaverse. As students interact with personalities from businesses and institutions they are not exposed to in their daily life, they increase not only their general knowledge, but also enhance their communication skills. And isn’t education all about equipping students with the skills so that they can forge bonds with people out there?
As you can see, I’m rather bullish about the evolution of the metaverse. Any pitfalls about the metaverse that you think I should be cognisant about? Please let me know in the comments below.
