Meta has officially rolled out its ‘Meta for Education’ initiative, no longer in its beta phase, and it’s opening the doors for schools globally to utilize Quest headsets alongside a suite of XR apps designed specifically for educational settings.
The ‘Meta for Education’ program was first introduced in April last year as a robust package tailored for educators eager to integrate XR technology into their teaching methods. This offering includes Quest headsets, subscriptions for XR management with classroom-specific features, and an array of tools crafted for administrators, teachers, and students.
Throughout the beta testing phase, Meta collaborated with numerous colleges across the United States and the United Kingdom to fine-tune the platform. Feedback from educators highlighted a noticeable increase in student engagement and a better grasp of challenging subjects achieved through virtual and mixed reality environments.
In a nod to the groundbreaking power of these technologies, Nick Clegg, Meta’s President of Global Affairs and former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, emphasized their transformative impact in educational spheres. He stated, “Enhancing children’s educational outcomes has been a focal point throughout my career in both politics and tech. Out of the myriad tech advancements at Meta, it’s the immersive experiences of virtual and augmented reality that have truly inspired me. Through Meta for Education, we aim to simplify the learning process, providing students with unprecedented opportunities to practice skills, interact with teachers and peers, and venture into experiences that were previously out of reach—all while supporting educators in their teaching roles.”
According to Meta, analysis from 43 schools within the Inspired Education Group, who’ve been incorporating immersive tech in the classroom, shows compelling results. About 87% of students reported increased engagement and interest in their courses, while 85% of teachers acknowledged the substantial value of virtual and mixed reality in enhancing their instructional methods. Furthermore, students noted a 15% improvement in academic performance on multiple-choice tests.
The move from beta also coincides with strategic partnerships with universities such as Arizona State University, Imperial College London, and the University of Miami, all of which are weaving VR into their educational fabric.
In collaboration with VictoryXR, Meta has also created more than 30 “metaversities” using the Engage XR platform, where digital replicas of campuses facilitate remote student interactions. These virtual campuses are now accessible to students at institutions like The University of Leeds in the UK, the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the University of Hannover in Germany.
Educators keen on exploring the Meta for Education program can visit its dedicated website. The site offers further information and guidance for applicants from various countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and the United States among others.
