North East students to join global metaverse project

Students at Newcastle College University Centre (NCUC) are set to experience global education in a revolutionary way as the college advances its work on an international metaverse learning platform.

Part of the Europe-wide InnoVET initiative, the platform is now in development and testing, promising to provide students with immersive virtual classrooms where they can collaborate with peers and educators worldwide.

By eliminating financial and geographic barriers, the metaverse aims to make “the first truly international metaverse classroom”.

The project unites five institutions from across Europe, including OSAO Koulutuskuntayhtymä in Finland, IES El Rincon in Spain, ROC Horizon in the Netherlands, and GBS St.Gallen in Switzerland, alongside NCUC in the UK.

Paul Smyth, digital arts lecturer at NCUC and lead on the UK’s contribution, said: “The metaverse isn’t as far off as people think – many students are already familiar with similar environments through platforms like Roblox.

“With InnoVET, we’re creating the first truly international metaverse classroom, where students can explore, learn, and collaborate globally in real time.

“The environment will feature content and courses across common vocational fields, increasing awareness of vocational education and training (VET) skills.”

Plans include hosting participating colleges in March 2025 to present a working concept, with students creating personalised avatars to engage in collaborative virtual learning.

A £320,000 funding proposal from the Swiss government is currently under review to further support the initiative.

Jon Ridley, principal of Newcastle College, added: “This innovative project, is a sector-leading partnership that will give students access to the first international metaverse classroom.

“It is a great example of the collaborative work we do at Newcastle College University Centre which ensures our graduates leave us work-ready, with the skills and the experiences they need to succeed now and in the future.”

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