Our education metaverse initiative: promoting digital competence, strengthening soft skills – for a future-proof generation in Europe!
As we observe a steady rise in technologies such as artificial intelligence, the metaverse and other innovations that will continue exponentially, it is crucial for the education system to prepare our children and young people for these developments. In the face of rapid digitalisation and the changing world of work, they must learn how to use these technologies competently and responsibly on the one hand, and develop important skills such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, empathy, integrity and ethical responsibility on the other. In a future that brings with it not only technological innovation but also ethical challenges, the balance between technological progress and social responsibility will be of central importance.
This is where our foundation comes in with the Education Metaverse initiative: On the one hand, we promote the understanding and use of digital technologies and, on the other, we attach great importance to the training of soft skills among young people and young adults in Europe. Through this dual approach, we want to ensure that the next generation is not only able to find their way in a highly digitalised world, but is also able to actively and responsibly help shape it.
Our aim is to prepare the new generation for a future in which technological expertise goes hand in hand with ethical responsibility and social values. These topics will be of central importance in the future in order to meet the challenges of a changing society and working world.
Metaverse and artificial intelligence in education: Seizing opportunities, mastering challenges
Together with leading education associations such as the Verband Deutscher Realschullehrer (VDR), the Kinder- und Jugendhilfe-Verbund | KJSH-Stiftung, the Verband Bildung und Erziehung e.V. (VBE) and the Bundesverband der Lehrkräfte für Berufsbildung e.V., we are shaping the future of learning: with innovative approaches in the metaverse and the use of artificial intelligence, we want to fully exploit the opportunities of digitalisation in education while responsibly addressing the ethical challenges. Our aim is to promote a fair, transparent and safe educational landscape that meets the needs of all learners
In partnership with the Bundesverband der Lehrkräfte für Berufsbildung e.V.
In partnership with the Kinder- und Jugendhilfe-Verbund | KJSH-Stiftung
In partnership with the VBE.
Verband Bildung und Erziehung e.V
In partnership with the Association of German Secondary School Teachers (VDR)
The digitalization of schools, vocational training and child and youth welfare faces major challenges
Schools, vocational schools and child and youth welfare facilities often find it difficult to invest in digital technologies and use them appropriately. Nationwide, there is a shortage of around 11% of teachers in schools. High-quality tools and resources for the use of artificial intelligence and metaverse technologies that could remedy this shortcoming are often not available. 78% of teachers report a lack of training and technical resources to integrate such technologies. According to McKinsey, up to 375 million jobs worldwide could be improved by 2030 through AI technologies, which also opens up new opportunities in the education sector. These advances would help to counteract the shortage of teachers, enable personalized learning experiences and overcome data protection challenges.
Metaverse and artificial intelligence (AI) in education
The integration of metaverse and artificial intelligence (AI) into learning environments opens up a new era of learning and offers significant opportunities to improve the quality of education. However, it also presents major ethical and data protection challenges that need to be carefully addressed.
Equal access to these technologies is crucial to avoid a digital divide and ensure that all learners, regardless of their individual circumstances, can benefit. The protection of privacy takes centre stage, as increased surveillance and potential misuse of data raise serious concerns.
AI systems could limit the autonomy of learners and reinforce existing prejudices, which could lead to bias and discrimination. In addition, the role of teachers could be changed, which could influence human contact and the quality of education.
Under data protection law, it is essential to ensure transparency in the collection and use of data and to guarantee the security of the stored data. Clear consent from the data subjects and comprehensive protective measures are required to safeguard their rights. Compliance with applicable data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), must be ensured.
In order to overcome these challenges, close cooperation between all stakeholders – from technology developers and educational institutions to political decision-makers – is necessary. Only through responsible and fair solutions can the full potential of these technologies be realised without jeopardising the rights and welfare of learners and teachers.
Use of proven best practices from the corporate world
We have access to a comprehensive ecosystem of companies and solution providers. The transfer of proven best practices from the business environment to schools and vocational colleges makes it possible to draw on extensive knowledge and tried-and-tested methods. Learning venues can benefit from both AI and virtual reality: Learners complete training courses in VR three times faster, feel 275% more confident in applying what they have learned and are 3.75 times more emotionally connected to the content (according to the PwC study).
Our approach
1. strengthening of selected schools, Vocational schools and institutions with a role model effect
The Metaverse Europe Foundation aims to strengthen selected schools through the targeted integration of metaverse technologies. We rely on innovative approaches and state-of-the-art technologies to enrich and expand the learning environment in these schools. By implementing Metaverse technologies, we not only want to optimise teaching and learning processes, but also increase the visibility of these schools and highlight them as model schools in the educational landscape. Our efforts are focussed on supporting lighthouse schools so that they can continue to play a leading role in shaping the education of the future.
2. further training for teachers within the framework of masterclasses
Further training for teachers is crucial to ensure that they are familiar with the latest pedagogical approaches and technologies. Teachers can improve their teaching methods and respond to the changing needs of learners through targeted further training measures. We offer masterclasses to support the further training of teachers and give them the opportunity to expand their professional skills and integrate innovative teaching concepts into their lessons.
Further information on the Foundation Metaverse Europe Masterclasses can be found here; https://masterclasses.bildungsmetaverse.de.
3. scaling and dissemination of successful models
Spreading successful educational models to other schools is crucial to ensure that all students have access to quality education regardless of their location. By introducing best practice and innovative teaching approaches on a wider scale, educational institutions can improve their service provision and ensure a consistently high quality of education. This process allows learners to realise their full potential as they benefit from proven pedagogical methods and gain access to resources that support their academic development. Ultimately, spreading successful educational models helps to promote equal opportunities in education and ensure that all students receive the best possible education to succeed in tomorrow’s world.
4. vocational orientation
Climate protection and energy security require a rapid shift in our energy supply towards efficient and climate-neutral technologies. At the same time, the energy sector and the skilled trades are urgently looking for specialists who can master and implement this innovative technology. The Green Energy VR Campus aims to make career guidance in this area more efficient and motivating by utilising virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). (further information can be found here)
Shaping education, securing the future: Your donation for a fair and digital learning world
Support us in responsibly shaping the future of education! With your donation, we can develop innovative educational projects in the Metaverse that set ethical standards and promote equal opportunities for all learners. Every donation helps us to jointly exploit the potential of digitalization and create a fair, safe and sustainable educational landscape.
