Meta has officially rolled out its ‘Meta for Education’ initiative, taking it out of the beta phase and opening doors for schools and educational institutions worldwide to enhance their classrooms with Quest headsets. This move introduces a suite of education-centered XR (extended reality) apps and software to bolster learning experiences.
First introduced back in April of the previous year, Meta for Education offers a comprehensive package designed for educators eager to integrate XR technology into the classroom. This package includes Quest headsets, XR management solution subscriptions, and various education-focused device capabilities. Moreover, it provides a bountiful array of tools and apps tailored for administrators, teachers, and students.
During its beta phase, Meta collaborated closely with colleges across the US and UK. This partnership allowed them to fine-tune the platform. Educators who participated reported increased student engagement and improved understanding of complex subjects thanks to virtual and mixed reality environments.
Nick Clegg, who serves as Meta’s President of Global Affairs and is a former UK Deputy Prime Minister, is enthusiastic about the transformative potential of immersive technologies in education. He believes these technologies empower students to explore scenarios previously out of reach.
“I’ve long been passionate about enhancing educational opportunities for children throughout my career, spanning both politics and technology,” Clegg explains. “At Meta, the advances in immersive technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, have truly sparked my interest. They hold immense promise in revolutionizing how we learn. My aspiration is for Meta for Education to make it easier for students to grasp, practice, and apply new skills, foster connection with teachers and peers, and embark on journeys and experiences that might otherwise be unattainable. Above all, I hope it aids teachers in their primary mission: educating.”
According to data from 43 schools within the Inspired Education Group, which have already integrated immersive tech for teen students, a staggering 87% of the students reported being more engaged and interested in their lessons. Meanwhile, 85% of teachers acknowledged the value of virtual and mixed reality as powerful tools for enhancing their teaching. Moreover, students showed a 15% improvement in their performance on multiple-choice assessments.
The transition out of beta is a milestone backed by partnerships with notable institutions such as Arizona State University, Imperial College London, and the University of Miami, all of which are weaving VR into their curricula.
In a parallel stride, Meta, in collaboration with VictoryXR, has created over 30 “metaversities” using the Engage XR platform. These digital twin campuses facilitate remote student interactions and are now accessible at the University of Leeds in the UK, the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the University of Hannover in Germany.
Educators eager to delve deeper into the Meta for Education program are encouraged to visit its official website. The site includes contact information for applicants from countries such as Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA.
