Approaching metaverses: Mixed reality interfaces in youth media platforms

The metaverse in education: Definition, framework, features, potential applications, challenges, and future research topics

“…It is reported that the world-famous female Kpop group Blackpink’s virtual fan signing event has been held at ZEPETO with surpassed 30 million users’ participation, and the avatar performance has exceeded 40 million views. Scholars indicated such digital games are prototypes of the metaverse with typical features ( Hwang and Chien, 2022 ; Prieto et al, 2022 ). In this respect, the metaverse is more than so-called digital games or social networks in a conventional meaning, and some peculiarities need to be taken into account.…”

“…As the studies reported ( Center for Journalism Studies of Tsinghua University, 2021 ; Kang, 2021 ; Shen et al, 2021 ; Sparkes, 2021 ; Lv et al, 2022 ; Park and Kim, 2022 ; Prieto et al, 2022 ), the metaverse is not merely a new entity for VR or AR, but a collection of a set of emergent technologies like 5G, AI, VR, AR, digital twins, blockchain, holography, or IoT (Internet of Things). The technological framework might be built for specific realms such as entertainment, commerce, education, etc., and their components and functions can be different according to the needs.…”

“…With the support of high-speed networks such as 5G/6G, users can use smart wearable devices (e.g., headsets or glasses) to enter the metaverse world instantly without being constrained by either time or location ( Ayiter, 2019 ; Prieto et al, 2022 ). From this point of view, it realizes free and rapid access for users by switching between the real world and the virtual world remotely and seamlessly.…”

“…As indicated by scholars, education is one of the most significant applications of the metaverse with great potential in the coming future. We believe that the presence of the metaverse can be served as a new educational environment ( Suzuki et al, 2020 ; Prieto et al, 2022 ; Rospigliosi, 2022 ); therefore, the 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).…”

“…Embodied and multimodal interaction is a unique feature of the metaverse compared with the conventional Internet. Interaction technologies like VR, XR, sensors, real-time tracking, IoT, and BCI (brain-computer interface) are necessary for users’ manipulations, navigations, collaborations, and sensory feedback (e.g., vision, audition, and kinesthesia) in the metaverse (e.g., Davis et al, 2009 ; Genay et al, 2021 ; Prieto et al, 2022 ). With the support of interaction technologies, learners can mobilize their bodies to take part in various exploratory learning activities, collaboration, and socialization, to stimulate different sensory organs and get real-time feedback.…”