Abstract

The metaverse, once a speculative concept inspired by science fiction, is rapidly evolving into a transformative tool for education. This study explores the potential of metaverse technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to revolutionize learning by creating immersive, interactive, and collaborative learning experiences. Drawing on recent research, we highlight their key benefits, including enhanced student engagement and experiential learning, while addressing significant challenges such as technical barriers, pedagogical adaptation, and ethical concerns. Despite its promise, integrating the metaverse into education requires careful consideration of infrastructure, teacher training, and student well-being. This study aimed to analyze current studies on metaverse technology in higher education, specifically at Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, and compare the effectiveness of metaverse-based learning with traditional methods. The study included 175 randomly selected male and female students from computer science and engineering majors during the first semester of the 2024–2025 academic year. The results indicate several advantages of metaverse technology: clear technical tools for effective information transfer, user-friendly technologies provided by the university, skill development aligned with contemporary requirements, enhanced privacy, clarity of assessment methods, and adherence to ethical standards that protect student rights and data privacy. Additionally, student response rates in metaverse-based learning were higher compared to traditional methods. These findings suggest that metaverse technology holds promise for enhancing higher education experiences by providing immersive, effective, and engaging learning environments that meet modern educational needs while prioritizing student privacy and ethical considerations.