More than a dozen universities, including Imperial College London, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Leeds, are engaging in a collaborative effort to revolutionize education through VR (Virtual Reality) and XR (Extended Reality). This pilot program includes regular interaction with educators who are testing VR and XR prototypes in their classrooms, allowing direct feedback to enhance products before the official launch. Through this beta testing, university partners gain early access to innovative applications and features that make costly or distant educational experiences accessible to students.
“This moment transcends any single institution or company. It’s about building a new educational ecosystem through collaboration among creators, developers, universities, research groups, and technology companies,” says Monica Arés, Executive Director of the Imperial IDEA Lab at Imperial College London. “We now have the tools to bridge the digital and physical realms, creating a set of resources that makes this truly transformative.”
Beyond the beta program, Meta is collaborating with VictoryXR to launch some of Europe’s first digital twin “metaversities.” These immersive virtual campuses enable students and faculty to explore, interact, and attend live classes from anywhere, within digital replicas of their physical campuses.
For example, the University of Leeds in the UK started immersive courses in Performance and Theater in September, while the University of the Basque Country in Spain will introduce immersive classes in Physiotherapy and Anatomy starting in February 2025. In Germany, Clausthal University of Technology, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Göttingen are all preparing to offer immersive courses in the coming academic term.
European partners are also being equipped with new training and resources to optimize their use of immersive technology. With Meta’s support, France Immersive Learning has published an English-language guidebook for educators, providing a detailed analysis of immersive technologies and practical advice for implementing them in classrooms. In the Netherlands, the Immersive Learning Academy is developing high-quality content, focusing on lifelong learning and educator training using immersive technologies.
Academic research consistently shows that VR technology can enhance learning outcomes like comprehension, retention, engagement, attention, and motivation. A 2021 PwC study found that 40% of VR users were more confident applying what they’d learned and showed a 150% increase in engagement. In another survey by XR Association (XRA) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), 77% of educators agreed that VR and XR technologies spark curiosity and increase class engagement.
These initiatives are set to inspire new educational approaches and collaborations across Europe, paving the way for immersive learning experiences and a new standard in education.
