Re-imagine Learning in Parallel Reality

“The metaverse is here, and it’s not only transforming how we see the world but how we participate in it – from the factory floor to the meeting room.” - Satya Nadella

The Learning Pyramid, also known as the "Cone of Learning," is a visual representation of how people learn and retain information. Developed by Edgar Dale, an American educator, in the 1960s, the Learning Pyramid is a fundamental concept in education and training.

?The Learning Pyramid is a triangular model that illustrates the different ways people learn and retain information. The pyramid is divided into several sections, each representing a different learning method,

·?????? Verbal Symbols (10% retention): Learning through words, either written or spoken.

·?????? Visual Aids (20% retention): Learning through images, diagrams, and charts.

·?????? Demonstrations (30% retention): Learning through live demonstrations or videos.

·?????? Practice by Doing (50% retention): Learning through hands-on practice and experimentation.

·?????? Teaching Others (90% retention): Learning by teaching others and explaining concepts to them.

The key takeaways from theory of learning pyramid are,

·?????? Teaching others is a powerful learning tool

·?????? Hands-on learning is most effective

·?????? Multimodal learning is key

There are multiple ways to learn by doing– while doing actual job, creating a workshop to practice, simulations, and augmented reality/ virtual reality. Imagine a parallel reality where individuals can learn and practice freely without any safety related challenges.

The concept of parallel reality has fascinated scientists, philosophers, and science fiction writers for decades. The idea that there may be multiple universes beyond our own, each with its own unique laws of physics and properties, is a mind-boggling one. Recently, the emergence of the metaverse has opened new possibilities for exploring and understanding parallel reality.

The metaverse, a term coined by science fiction writer Neal Stephenson, refers to a hypothetical future version of the internet that is fully immersive, interactive, and virtual. The metaverse has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of parallel reality by enabling us to simulate and explore parallel universes in a fully immersive and interactive environment.

The Metaverse is a virtual world that uses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) to create immersive and interactive experiences. In the context of learning, the Metaverse offers a range of possibilities, from virtual labs and simulations to interactive games and virtual reality field trips.

According to a report, “Metaverse Market Forecast, 2023 - 2032”, published by Acumen Research and Consulting, the Global Metaverse Market Size accounted for USD 88 billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 46.4% from 2023 to 2032 to achieve a market size of USD 3,935 Billion by 2032. North America held a dominant position in the market in recent years, with a value of around USD 42.3 billion in 2022 [1]. According to McKinsey, the metaverse has potential to generate up to $5 trillion in value by 2030 [2].

Metaverse in education can be regarded as an educational environment enhanced by metaverse-related technologies which fuse with the elements of the virtual and the real educational environment. It enables learners to use wearable devices to enter the educational setting without being limited by time and locations and allows them to use digital identities to have real-time interactions with different forms of items (e.g., avatars, intelligent NPCs, or virtual learning resources). As a result, they can feel present as if they are in a real-world educational setting [3]. There are various use cases of metaverse in education,

·?????? Training: Imagine a medical student practicing surgery in a simulated environment that mimics the conditions of a parallel universe. The student can practice different scenarios and outcomes, honing their skills in a safe and controlled environment.

·?????? Acquiring skills: Learners can wear smart suits fitted with sensors. A motor called actuator converts electrical pulses into movements. Learners’ movements are collected and compared to ideally what they should be. Learners can receive feedback through visual cues or movements from suit. The same can be used to perfect the skills.

·?????? Virtual Reality for Special Needs: Students with disabilities can participate in educational experiences that might be challenging in the physical world. Imagine a student with mobility limitations exploring the pyramids of Egypt through a virtual tour.

·?????? Virtual Field Trips: The metaverse can create hyper-realistic virtual environments that bring history, geography, and science to life. For example, transporting students to the heart of the Amazon rainforest or the bustling streets of ancient Rome, all from the comfort of the classroom.

The Metaverse has the potential to revolutionize learning. By creating immersive and interactive learning experiences, the Metaverse can enhance retention, engagement, and understanding. As the Metaverse continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective learning experiences in the future.

What are your thoughts on the metaverse and its potential impact on education and learning? How can we ensure equitable access and responsible development of this technology? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Sources

[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/10/11/2758046/0/en/Metaverse-Market-is-forecasted-to-Reach-USD-3-935-Billion-by-2032-growing-at-a-CAGR-of-46-4-Over-the-Forecast-Period-2023-to-2032.html

[2] https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-the-metaverse

[3] https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1016300