Page 13 - Executive briefing on the metaverse

Executive briefing on the metaverse

Figure 4: Industrial metaverse – Education sector

The metaverse also has the potential to revolutionize the education sector by creating new
immersive and interactive learning experiences. Using various immersive experiences, students
can be transported to a wide range of simulated environments. Immersive learning allows
for a more engaging and interactive approach to learning, which can enhance retention of
knowledge and increase student engagement. Another possibility is more accessible remote
learning and collaboration. As shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote learning has
great potential, particularly for those without physical access to learning facilities. Metaverse
classrooms could allow students and teachers to engage in real time and from any location.
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3.2 Metaverse in cities

Together with technologies such as IoT and digital twin, the metaverse has the potential to
revolutionize the way cities and communities function, interact and manage their resources, in
becoming more sustainable, carbon neutral, efficient and inclusive. In so called “citiverses”,
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a community can create a virtual replica of its physical infrastructure and systems, to build
what is known as a “local digital twin”. By monitoring the physical environment in real time
through its digital twin, city planners can make an infinite number of data-driven decisions
such as optimizing energy usage, reducing traffic congestion, or improving public services.
Furthermore, the metaverse can provide a platform for citizens to interact with their city
government and participate in city planning processes, and social and economic activities, in
a virtual environment, thereby potentially increasing citizen participation.

Seoul, the capital city of the Republic of Korea, has launched a five-year plan to build Metaverse
Seoul. The plan involves seven areas: economy, education, tourism, communication, city,
administration, and infrastructure. The first service phase of its virtual municipal world
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Metaverse Seoul has been launched in January 2023, to test various administrative services in
the metaverse such as economy, education and tax affairs. 11

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