The Learning Frontier – 2
Metaversities: Where Avatars Ace the Classroom
By Sarat C. Das*
The metaverse, a convergence of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI), is redefining educational experiences. According to McKinsey, this immersive digital realm could generate $5 trillion in value by 2030.
VR Classrooms: Learning’s Bold New Pixel Frontier
Imagine a biology class where students walk through a beating heart or a history lesson where learners explore ancient civilisations in first-person. This is not speculative fantasy—it is becoming a reality. Companies like Meta (formerly Facebook), Microsoft, and startups like WoWExp are already building educational platforms that allow such interactions. According to Navin Manaswi, CEO of WoWExp, “The metaverse reimagines education by breaking the barriers of physical reality and unlocking the full potential of experiential learning.”
Metaverse Minds: Swapping Chalk for Holograms
In its simplest form, the metaverse can be described as a 3D virtual world where users interact through digital avatars. Unlike traditional e-learning platforms that rely on two-dimensional interfaces like Zoom or Google Meet, metaverse-powered education allows learners to experience spatial environments—attending virtual classes, exploring simulations, and participating in collaborative projects in real-time. This level of immersion fosters deeper engagement and can make complex or abstract topics more tangible.
“The metaverse isn’t about escaping reality—it’s about augmenting it,” says futurist Cathy Hackl.
No doubt that the global education landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rapid rise of Education Technology (EdTech) companies and the emergence of metaversities—virtual campuses in the metaverse. With industry giants like BYJU’S ($16.5B valuation) and Duolingo ($5B market cap) leading the charge, EdTech is no longer a niche sector but a $341 billion market poised to transform how we learn, teach, and interact.
Pixels Over Podiums: Metaversities Redraw Class
The rapid evolution of digital technologies is redefining how we live, work, and learn. At the forefront of this digital revolution is the metaverse—a collective virtual space created by the convergence of physical and digital realities. Once the domain of science fiction and gaming, the metaverse is now being explored as a serious tool in education, promising immersive, interactive, and personalised learning experiences that transcend the boundaries of traditional classrooms.
Proponents argue that the metaverse holds the power to democratize education. With the right infrastructure, students from remote or underserved areas could gain access to world-class resources, instructors, and learning environments previously out of reach. Customizable avatars can reduce biases related to appearance or physical limitations, creating a more inclusive space where learners are judged by participation and performance, not background.
Brainy Bytes: Metaversities Teach in Technicolour
However, like any disruptive technology, the metaverse also raises critical questions. Equity remains a major concern. Access to high-speed internet, VR headsets, and compatible devices is still a luxury in many parts of the world. Without strategic planning, the metaverse could exacerbate the very educational divides it aims to bridge.
Pedagogy is another challenge. The success of metaverse-based education isn’t just about technology—it’s about how it’s used. Educators will need training to design meaningful experiences in virtual spaces, and institutions must establish clear frameworks to evaluate learning outcomes. As Dr. Aida Mehrad of C3S Business School in Barcelona notes, “Digital transformation in education must be both inclusive and intentional. It’s not enough to digitise content—we must humanise it.”
Also, there’s the question of mental and emotional well-being. Extended time in immersive environments could lead to fatigue or even disconnection from reality. Finding a healthy balance between virtual engagement and physical interaction will be crucial.
Hiren Raval, CEO of C3S Business School, sees boundless potential: “Metaversities dissolve geographical barriers, enabling students worldwide to access elite institutions and collaborative learning spaces. This isn’t just innovation—it’s democratisation.”
Virtual Vibes: Metaversities Hack Education’s Code
Pioneering universities like Morehouse College have already adopted metaverse campuses, offering students interactive 3D classrooms, virtual labs, and global field trips—from the Great Wall of China to Darwin’s Galapagos. Navin Manaswi, founder of WowExp, explains: “Metaversities blend social serendipity with hands-on learning. Imagine medical students performing virtual surgeries or history classes ‘walking’ through ancient civilisations.”
Also read: Metaverse classrooms: The future or a fad?
What was once theoretical is quickly becoming a reality. Institutions around the globe are investing in digital campuses, creating immersive classrooms, and integrating metaverse technology into their academic frameworks. These metaversities are not mere replicas of traditional schools in virtual form—they represent a fundamental reimagining of the learning experience. In a metaversity, students don’t just read about a concept or watch a video lecture—they live it. Through avatars, learners interact with instructors and peers in real-time, conduct lab experiments in virtual reality, attend seminars in digital amphitheatres, and even simulate real-world scenarios in controlled environments.
Digital Dons: Metaversities School the Future
Take, for example, the recent partnerships between universities and tech companies to build fully functioning digital campuses. The University of Maryland Global Campus and Morehouse College in the U.S., among others, have piloted metaverse classrooms where students wear VR headsets and engage in spatial learning experiences.
These initiatives go beyond novelty—they’re producing measurable improvements in engagement and comprehension. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), employees in VR-based training learned four times faster than in the classroom and felt more emotionally connected to the content.
Metaverse U: Degrees in 3D, No Jetlag Needed
The advantages of metaversities are clear. They offer flexibility, reduce geographical limitations, and enable access to high-quality education without the need for physical infrastructure. Students can attend classes from anywhere in the world, access diverse global faculty, and collaborate with international peers—all from the comfort of their homes. This model opens new opportunities for those historically excluded from quality education due to socioeconomic or location-based barriers.
Furthermore, personalisation and customisation are central to the metaversity experience. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all approaches, metaversities can adapt content based on a student’s pace, learning style, and interests. Gamification, simulations, and interactive storytelling further boost motivation and retention, particularly for Generation Z and Alpha learners who thrive in digital-first environments.
Metaversities: Where Equity Meets Epic VR Labs
However, the rise of metaversities isn’t without challenges. Equity remains a pressing concern. Access to VR hardware and reliable internet is still limited in many parts of the world. Without deliberate efforts to bridge the digital divide, the benefits of metaversities could be unevenly distributed, exacerbating existing inequalities in education.
Additionally, questions around data privacy, academic integrity, and regulation in virtual environments are yet to be fully addressed. Accrediting bodies will need to evolve and establish clear standards to ensure metaverse-based institutions maintain credibility and quality.
Despite these hurdles, the momentum is undeniable. Visionary educators and institutions are leading the charge into this digital frontier, blending innovation with pedagogy. As Dr. Hiren Raval, CEO of C3S Business School, aptly puts it, “Metaversities are not a replacement of traditional education—they are its natural evolution.”
From theory to reality, the rise of metaversities marks a significant chapter in the ongoing story of education. As the world redefines how we learn, teach, and connect, metaversities may well become the cornerstone of the future academic landscape.
EdTech’s VR Bet: Metaversities Level Up Learning
Prof. Eduardo Ortiz Tosta, Senior Faculty at C3S Business School, highlights practical benefits: “VR reduces costs for high-stakes training, like cadaver labs, while AI tailors lessons to individual learning styles—auditory, visual, or kinesthetic.”
EdTech is also levelling the playing field for marginalised learners. Dr. Aida Mehrad, Head of Academics at C3S Business School, notes: “Extended Reality (XR) empowers students with disabilities. Children with autism, for instance, practice social skills in safe, customizable virtual environments.”
Yet, challenges remain. Dr. Marc Sanso, Head of Academic Affairs at Aspire Business School, cautions: “While VR headsets are more affordable, the digital divide persists. Institutions must ensure equitable access to avoid exacerbating inequalities.”
Privacy, Security, and the Human Element
As metaversities gain traction, concerns about data privacy and emotional connectivity loom large. Brad Saffer of Cisco warns: “The metaverse is the Wild West of cybersecurity. Universities must safeguard student data—from eye-tracking to emotional responses captured by VR.”
Dr. Dababrata Chowdhury, Senior Faculty at Canterbury Christ Church University, underscores the irreplaceable value of human interaction: “Education thrives on spontaneity—a teacher’s encouraging smile, a debate that sparks over coffee. Can avatars replicate that? Not yet.”
The Road Ahead: Hybrid Horizons
The future lies in hybrid models that merge physical and virtual worlds. Pretam Pandey, COO of C3S Business School, asserts: “Metaversities won’t replace classrooms but expand them. The key is balancing innovation with inclusivity.”
Dr PR Datta, Executive Chair of CBER, concludes: “We’re not choosing between tradition and technology—we’re redesigning education itself. The goal? A system that’s as humane as it is high-tech.”
In conclusion, the metaverse is not a silver bullet, but it is a powerful tool with the potential to transform education as we know it. As we stand at this new frontier, the goal must be to harness its strengths while mitigating its risks. With thoughtful implementation, ethical design, and a focus on equity, the metaverse could well become the classroom of the future.
*Sarat C Das is the editor of Manager, UK’s oldest industry chronicle. His forthcoming book is titled “Less is More, Slow is Speed, Contentment is Nirvana”
