The University as a Metaversity : pedagogical reductions and constructions

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Robertson, Nicola; (2026) The University as a Metaversity : pedagogical reductions and constructions. In: CHAPTERS in Education. Chapters in Education . Springer, pp. 1-20. (https://doi.org/10.1007/60490_2026_3)

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Abstract

This conceptual paper sets out to consider the Metaversity movement; that is, the creation of educational spaces in the virtual realm of the Metaverse, or the re-creation of physical spaces of education in the virtual environment. Referring to the concept of pedagogical reduction, I suggest that virtual worlds are created and annexed from, but always anchored to, the so-called actual world using this process of reduction: selecting what is to be shown, simplifying it by limiting the boundaries and capabilities of the environment, thus representing the content for them to create a world within a world. Pedagogical virtual worlds use the same process to an educational end. I build on this thesis using contemporary discourse in theory and philosophy of education to argue that, just as the Metaverse is a combination of many metaverses, the educational space of the university is constructed from a series of pedagogical virtual worlds. This leads to discussion on whether Metaversity can be considered an effective alternative to brick-and-mortar institutions, or no alternative at all. The significance of this question lies in the shift to online education over the past 5 years, and the continuing influence of technology on the conceptualisation, delivery, and experience of Higher Education.

ORCID iDs

Robertson, Nicola ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5356-1894;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)