Meta has recently taken another bold step in advancing educational technology by officially rolling out its ‘Meta for Education’ program. After a successful beta phase, this initiative is now providing schools and educational bodies worldwide with an opportunity to enhance classroom learning through Quest headsets and a suite of XR-focused educational apps and software.
Initially introduced in April of last year, Meta for Education is designed as a robust platform for educators eager to integrate XR technologies into their teaching strategies. It includes Quest headsets, subscriptions for XR management solutions tailored for educational settings, and various tools and applications crafted specifically for administrators, teachers, and students alike.
Throughout the beta phase, Meta collaborated closely with universities both in the United States and the United Kingdom. Feedback from educators indicated that the use of virtual and mixed reality significantly boosted student engagement and helped clarify intricate topics.
Nick Clegg, Meta’s President of Global Affairs and former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, emphasizes the significant impact immersive technologies can have on education. These technologies open up a world of previously unreachable experiences for students.
He shares, “Education has always been a key area of interest in my journey through politics and technology. Of all the innovations I’ve seen at Meta, virtual and augmented reality have sparked my interest due to their potential to revolutionize learning. Through Meta for Education, I hope to simplify the process for students in acquiring, practicing, and applying new skills, while fostering a stronger sense of connection with their peers and teachers, and offering experiences that transcend traditional boundaries. Above all, my aim is to support educators in doing what they excel at: teaching.”
Feedback collected by Meta from 43 Inspired Education Group schools, which have integrated immersive technologies for teenage students, shows promising results. An encouraging 87% of students felt more engaged, and 85% of teachers viewed virtual and mixed reality as beneficial teaching aids. Academic performance also saw a notable 15% boost in multiple-choice test results.
As the program steps out of the beta stage, Meta has fostered partnerships with numerous institutions such as Arizona State University, Imperial College London, and the University of Miami, incorporating VR into their educational frameworks.
Additionally, in collaboration with VictoryXR, Meta has developed over 30 “metaversities” utilizing the Engage XR platform to offer digital twin campuses. These digital environments are now accessible to students at the University of Leeds in the UK, University of the Basque Country in Spain, and University of Hannover in Germany, promoting remote interaction among students.
Educators keen on exploring more about the Meta for Education initiative can visit the program’s website. This resource provides contact details for prospective applicants from a wide range of countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and many more across the globe.
