March 08, 2023 —
The University of the Southwest is currently testing the use of the metaverse to enhance its instructional capabilities. The university's decision to test the metaverse for instructional purposes is a groundbreaking move that could transform the future of higher education. The first USW students began piloting the use of virtual reality hardware and software in the Spring A-23 term. The first course in which the new technology was implemented was an Anatomy and Physiology class taught by Dr. Narayan Kandel.
The metaverse is a virtual world where people can interact with each other, attend events, and explore virtual environments. This technology is becoming increasingly popular in the gaming industry, and now USW is looking to leverage it to improve the learning experience for its students. The pilot project involved creating virtual classrooms and learning spaces where students can interact with each other, attend lectures, and collaborate on projects. The metaverse will enable students to engage with course material in new and exciting ways, which could increase student engagement and retention.
USW Chief Academic Officer Dr. Brianna Lopez commented, “the metaverse has the potential to revolutionize how we think about education. By creating immersive and interactive learning experiences, students will be able to develop a deeper understanding of course material and apply their knowledge in real-world situations.”
The pilot project was made possible by a grant from the JF Maddox Foundation. USW is excited to be at the forefront of this new technology and looks forward to exploring the possibilities of the metaverse for future instructional purposes. The university will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the metaverse in enhancing student learning as the pilot project continues.
