‘Meta for Education’ Program Ends Beta Phase, Introducing Quest to Classrooms

Meta is making strides in the education sector with their ‘Meta for Education’ program, which has officially moved beyond its beta phase. This initiative is set to revolutionize classrooms across the globe, offering an exciting opportunity for educational institutions to integrate Quest headsets alongside a suite of XR-focused apps and software tailored for learning environments.

Launched initially in April, Meta for Education presents a comprehensive package perfect for educators eager to embrace XR in their teaching methods. The program provides Quest headsets, XR management solutions with classroom-friendly device capabilities, and a variety of tools and applications designed specifically for administrators, teachers, and students alike.

Throughout its beta period, Meta collaborated with colleges both in the US and the UK. This partnership aimed to refine the platform, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: educators observed that virtual and mixed reality not only boosted student engagement but also enhanced understanding of complex subjects.

Nick Clegg, Meta’s President of Global Affairs and the former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, has been vocal about the potential immersive technologies hold for education. He expresses enthusiasm, stating, “Throughout my work in politics and technology, improving educational outcomes for children has always been a passion. Among the innovations I’ve encountered at Meta, immersive technologies in virtual and augmented reality truly stand out for their educational potential.” His vision is to use Meta for Education to aid students in acquiring, practicing, and applying new skills while fostering a presence with their teachers and peers. He believes this can open doors to experiencing historically inaccessible opportunities, ultimately supporting teachers in their primary mission: to teach effectively.

Meta’s collaboration extends to 43 Inspired Education Group schools, where immersive technology is already proving its worth. Reports show a substantial 87% of students feeling more engaged and interested in their classes. Moreover, 85% of the teachers acknowledged virtual and mixed reality as valuable tools that enhance their teaching process. Notably, this technological integration has led to a 15% improvement in students’ academic performance on multiple-choice assessments.

The full launch of the program follows partnerships with reputable institutions like Arizona State University, Imperial College London, and the University of Miami, all of which are weaving VR into their academic programs.

Furthermore, Meta, in collaboration with VictoryXR, has developed over 30 “metaversities” utilizing the Engage XR platform. These digital twin campuses are designed for remote student interaction, bringing virtual campuses to life at institutions such as The University of Leeds in the UK, the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the University of Hannover in Germany.

Educators eager to dive into this immersive experience can find more information on the Meta for Education website. This resource also provides contact details for potential applicants from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.