Atma Jaya Catholic University Develops Learning in Metaverse

TheIndonesia.id - Atma Jaya Catholic University is teaming up with PT WIR Asia to enable learning activities through metaverse as it’s predicted to open more opportunities in the future, including in education sector.

University rector Agustinus Prasetyantoko said Atma Jaya is embracing the ongoing technological enhancement in various sectors, and the step to develop metaverse for learning shows the university’s spirit to contribute to national development.

“The development of technology creates more access in different sectors, such as education, social interactions as well as economic activities. Innovation and technology create opportunity to increase inclusive productivity,” Prasetyantoko said on Monday, March 21, as reported by Antara.

He reminded that the world is currently undergoing double disruption triggered by technological change and the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the end, this world will be a different place than it was before.

And in regards to education, metaverse will enable online classes that can encourage more access to education.

“Higher education should be at the forefront to welcome post-pandemic society and civilization. And the birth of metaverse signals that change. We’re working to prepare a transformative generation who is able to face future changes,” Prasetyantoko explained.

During the initial phase, the collaboration will be implemented in five to seven courses, including management, psychology, and courses in the engineering faculty. Previously, the university has also implemented augmented reality (AR) in the medicine study.

WIR Group chief innovation officer Jeffrey Budiman said the development of massive metaverse ecosystem, such as Metaverse Indonesia, will require the support from every stakeholder, including the education sector.

And Atma Jaya’s commitment to build learning system in Metaverse Indonesia marks the new ear for future education in Indonesia.

Budiman said the group aims to work with more educational institutions in the future, so more people and students can benefit from metaverse for learning.

According to Investopedia, metaverse is “a digital reality that combines aspects of social media, online gaming, AR, virtual reality (VR), and cryptocurrencies to allow users to interact virtually”.

Its popularity continues to grow, and it’s predicted to become a significant part of society’s daily life in the coming future.