Students' Opinions about the Educational Use of the Metaverse

Abstract

This study aims to determine students' opinions about the educational use of the Metaverse. The study was conducted during the spring semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. The sample of the study consists of 34 second-year students at the Department of Computer Engineering of a state university in the Southeast Anatolia region of Turkey. The students participated in and evaluated the Metaverse. After the application, interviews were conducted with the participants to find out the students' opinions about Metaverse. In this study, a mixed-method in which both qualitative and quantitative research methods were considered together was used. As a result of the study, it was found that the majority of students had never used Metaverse before, but wanted to use the Metaverse environment in the classroom. Students indicated that Metaverse can be used in many fields and disciplines. However, they were hesitant to use Metaverse in all faculty courses. Students believe that the Metaverse can enhance their knowledge of the subject. In addition, students consider that Metaverse can make the course content more enjoyable and increase their motivation for the course. They also believe that Metaverse has pedagogical advantages and will be used in the classroom in the near future. As for the disadvantages, they mentioned that Metaverse makes learning difficult and distracted, students disconnected from real life, and violates class discipline.