New Dimensions: The Impact of the Metaverse and AI Avatars on Social Science Education

This study investigates the integration of the metaverse and artificial intelligence (AI) avatars in social science education, amidst global challenges that necessitate holistic approaches for cultivating critical global citizenship. Despite the promising capabilities of virtual reality (VR) for immersive learning, the effectiveness of the metaverse and the role of AI in enhancing educational experiences remain underexplored. The central question addressed is the impact of immersive learning experiences in the metaverse, including AI avatars, on students' perceptions and intentions towards using this technology for social science education. Findings reveal significant student engagement with immersive metaverse experiences, aligning with experiential learning theories and suggesting potential for complex topic exploration. However, the influence of AI avatars on learning experiences suggests that students found environments with GPT avatars harder to use than those without. Given the limitations, such as the small and specific participant pool and brief engagement duration, further research is warranted to understand the long-term effects of immersive learning in the metaverse and the advanced integration of AI avatars across various educational disciplines.