International Journal of
Information and Education Technology

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of virtual teaching and learning in education. Metaverse, an immersive platform that merges physical and digital realms, has become the center of attraction. The opportunities and challenges of Metaverse for teaching and learning have been widely discussed. Existing literature suggests that Metaverse can enhance students’ engagement and provide an immersive learning experience in a classroom situation. However, there is limited research focusing on the application of Metaverse in a teacher-centered learning environment. In this study, we organized a real-time conference and showcase exhibition in the Metaverse platform powered by Mozilla Hubs. The session was broadcasted simultaneously via Zoom. A survey was conducted after the conference to collect participants’ feedback. By comparing the users’ experience on Metaverse with Zoom and assessing the organizers’ insights, this study sheds light on the importance of having a tailor-made setup to accommodate teacher-centered learning needs in the Metaverse. Second, participants might feel disconnected from each other with the use of cartoon-shaped avatars. It is noteworthy that facial expressions and body movements are essential for developing social presence. Third, it is vital to provide adequate user training to get users familiar with the Metaverse platform.