OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS OF THE METAVERSE IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
The article is devoted to the study of the opportunities and risks of using the metaverse in the context of digital university development. The primary aim is to identify the potential of the metaverse as a tool for transforming the educational process in higher education, to analyze the challenges associated with implementing virtual and augmented reality technologies, and to substantiate the pedagogical conditions for their effective use. To achieve this aim, a set of theoretical and empirical research methods was used. The theoretical analysis of scientific literature allowed us to identify the main directions of digitalization of higher education and the principles of formation of an immersive educational environment. Statistical sources and analytical reports of international companies made it possible to assess the dynamics of the metaverse market development in the educational sphere. The generalization method helped to formulate conclusions about the role of the digital university as a new generation institution. Results. The study has confirmed that the use of AR/VR technologies and the integration of artificial intelligence contribute to the personalization of learning, increase student motivation, and create new models of interaction in the learning environment.The metaverse allows students to immerse themselves in simulated situations that are close to real professional experience. At the same time, a number of risks have been identified: digital dependence, shifting emphasis in content, information manipulation, insufficient regulatory framework, and the need to improve the digital competence of teachers. The article also emphasizes the importance of ensuring ethical standards and preserving academic autonomy in the context of full or partial virtualization of education. The conclusions substantiate the expediency of implementing metaverse technologies in the system of digital higher education, with a comprehensive approach to the technical, methodological, legal, and ethical support of this process. The metaverse is viewed not only as a technical innovation but also as a new form of organizing educational space that requires a deep rethinking of the role of the university in the digital age.
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