The Metaverse is where it's at or is it: Is this a win for exceptional student engagement?

Have you heard of the Metaverse?

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Merriam-Webster defines Metaverse as a persistent virtual environment that allows access to and interoperability of multiple individual virtual realities but what does mean in layman's terms- it's simple its a mix of augmented and virtual realities( made up).

The Metaverse can improve student engagement especially the exceptional student when used correctly and with fidelity.

Gaps in Knowledge

While the Metaverse holds great potential in advancing learning such as AR ( augmented reality ) and VR (virtual reality) by immersing the student in their learning like never before. Incorporating the Metaverse in exceptional student 's daily routine could eliminate some of the apprehension at the search for the unknown in their learning. The process of learning independently without the direction or assistance of a teacher or instructor is known as autodidatic or self directed learning (Abu Khurma et al, 2024). Students exposed to the Metaverse on a consistent bases are more likely to invest in their learning in deep ways more than traditional lecture styled classroom environment. Exceptional students experience less stress from the embarrassment of not knowing a basic building block of information . Exceptional students are not afraid of being ridiculed for not knowing when immersed in the Metaverse, they see everything as a teachable moment. To be successful in the digital era, one ought to have a distinct "autodidatic" profile (Abu Khurma et al, 2024). This profile is identiified by a strong desire to gain knowledge, the capacity to trace and use digital materials , and teh readiness to acept accountablity for ones knowledge ( Abu Khurma et al, 2024)

Curiosity

The Metaverse can open the exceptional student up to a vast new world or way of learning. ChatGPT is an AI(artificial intelligence) language model that is gaining widespread acceptance because of its excellent and individualized features (Abu Khurma et al, 2024). Exceptional students/ learners have traditionally been limited to little exposure of immersive technology in their classrooms simply because school systems have funneled funds elsewhere in the school system. The exceptional learners classrooms usually contain a few computers with basic programing and manipulatives. However, embracing the Metaverse could give these exceptional learners a chance to experience real world simulations while experiencing both positive and negative outcomes of a situation in a safe space. ChatGPT has the ability to simplify difficult passages making comprehension easier for learners with reduced reading abilities (Al Yakin et al,2023).This personalized approach allows students to lern comfortably , ensuring a comprehensive understanding of even the most intricate and complex concept (Al Yakin et al,2023). It enhances the reading experience of students with disabilities (Al Yakin et al, 2023). Knowing the exceptional learner is safe would allow the learner to try a variety of different post secondary simulations to see what truly is possible for them as they embark on adulthood. The learners natural curiosity will propel them into otherwise uncharted water while keeping them safe in the adventure.

Satisfaction of accomplishment

Being able to say I did that myself has always been key to motivation one to finish something you start however, for the exceptional learner this is not always and mostly never the case. The Metaverse opens up a world of opportunities for the exceptional learner to complete the seemingly incompletable tasks in a safe environment. Things like riding public transit or cooking a full course meal can be experienced within the Metaverse. The exceptional learner would be able to work through each step in a scenario without the fear of being harmed. The feedback that is recieved would informatiove rather than controlling in the simulations giving the exceptional learner/student a chance to decide their next move based on information not emotions (Keller, 2018). There would be some negative outcomes shown to the learner but using the Metaverse the exceptional learner would be able to practice or and over until the correct process becomes muscle memory and they accomplish the feat with no problems. The Metaverse also does not put a time frame on learning the task at hand and can be designed to advance at the progression speed of the exceptional learner.

Conclusion

The Metaverse is an opportunity to level the playing field for exceptional students in traditional high school. It provides for the use of augmented reality and virtual reality to help ensure learning can be experienced in a safe and secure environment while providing real world experiences that are vital to the exceptional learners progression into adulthood . Since its inception the use has evolved from gaming and social aspects to unlimited learning opportunities when used with fidelity. Also Chat GPT 's integration into education holds immense potential and could revolutionize the way knowledge is obtained (Al Yakin et al, 2023). Only time will tell if the playing field becomes truly accessible to all.

References

Abu Khurma,O., Albahti,F., Ali,N.,& Bustanji,A.(2024). AI ChatGPT and student engagement: Unraveling dimensions through PRISMA analysis for enhanced learning expeiences. Contempory Educational Technology, 16(2), ep 503. https:doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/14334

Al Yakin,A., Muthmainnah,M., Apriani, E., Obaid,A.J., & Elngar,A.A.(2023). Transforming Online Learning Management:Generative Models on ChatGPT to Enhance Online Student Engagement Scale (OLE). Idarah (Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Kependidikan). 7(2),135-148. https://doi.org/10.47766/idarah.v7i2.1514

Keller,J. & Deimann,M. (2018). Motivation,volition and performance. In R. Reiser & J. Dempsey (Eds.), Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (4th ed.): Pearson