Today, Meta announced the launch of the Meta for Education beta program, partnering with universities in the US and UK to test new educational applications for Quest devices. This initiative is part of an effort to transform learning through metaverse technologies.
More than a dozen universities, including Imperial College London, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Leeds, will collaborate by trialing VR and XR prototypes in classrooms. The feedback from educators will help improve products before an official launch. The beta test provides early access to apps that make otherwise expensive or inaccessible educational experiences available.
Monica Arés, Executive Director of Imperial IDEA Lab at Imperial College London, emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative: “This moment is greater than any one institution or one company. We need to come together in collaboration across the creators, the developers, educational institutions, research organizations, and tech companies to build this new learning ecosystem because it’s going to benefit every individual and industry.” She highlighted how digital tools are merging physical and digital worlds.
In addition to this program, Meta is working with VictoryXR on developing digital twin "metaversities" in Europe. These metaversities allow educators and students at institutions like the University of Leeds in the UK and others across Spain and Germany to explore immersive environments that mirror their campuses. At Leeds, classes focusing on Performance and Theater began in September.
Starting February 2025, immersive technologies will be used at the University of the Basque Country for courses in Physiotherapy and Anatomy. In Hannover's academic semester next year, Clausthal University of Technology along with Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and the University of Göttingen will also offer immersive courses.
European partners are empowered with resources and training from Meta. France Immersive Learning released a guidebook for educators on deploying these technologies effectively. In addition, support for the Netherlands' Immersive Learning Academy focuses on integrating immersive technology into curricula.
Academic studies suggest VR can enhance various learning outcomes such as comprehension and engagement. A 2021 PwC study found that VR learners showed increased confidence (40%) in applying what they've learned and were 150% more engaged during classes compared to traditional methods.
Meta anticipates these initiatives will inspire new forms of learning throughout Europe.
