The Road to Immersive Learning: How Social Support and Self-Efficacy Drive Metaverse Adoption

Researchers from Ho Chi Minh City University explored factors influencing the adoption of metaverse technology in education, revealing that social support, ease of use, and self-efficacy are key drivers of adoption. The study highlights the potential of the metaverse to revolutionize learning environments through immersive and interactive experiences.

Researchers from Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology conducted a study to understand the adoption of the metaverse in education, focusing on the factors that influence teachers’ and students' intentions to use this technology. The metaverse, which offers an immersive and interactive virtual environment, has the potential to transform educational delivery by creating virtual realities and augmented learning experiences. However, despite its promise, the adoption of metaverse technology in academic settings is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to understand what drives or hinders its integration into teaching and learning practices.

Investigating Metaverse Adoption in Education

The study involved 253 Vietnamese teachers and students already familiar with the metaverse. These participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure that the research included individuals with relevant experience in the use of metaverse technologies. The researchers employed a structured questionnaire to gather data on various factors believed to influence the adoption of the metaverse in education. These factors were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), a method suitable for understanding complex relationships between variables in a predictive model. The research developed the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Metaverse Technology (UTAUMT), an expanded version of existing technology adoption models like the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). This new model is specifically tailored to account for the unique features of the metaverse, such as its immersive and interactive nature, which distinguishes it from other technologies.

Key Factors Driving Metaverse Integration

Several factors were identified as critical to the adoption of metaverse technology in educational settings. These included Metaverse Performance Expectancy (MPE), Metaverse Effort Expectancy (MEE), Metaverse Social Influence (MSI), Metaverse Hedonic Motivation (MHM), Metaverse Price Value (MPV), Metaverse Self-Efficacy (MSE), and Metaverse Facilitating Conditions (MFC). Each of these factors was measured through specific indicators designed to capture users’ perceptions of the metaverse’s usefulness, ease of use, enjoyment, cost-effectiveness, and the availability of technical and institutional support. The study found that certain factors, such as MEE, MSI, MFC, and MSE, had a significant impact on the intention of teachers and students to adopt the metaverse. These findings highlight the importance of ensuring that the metaverse is perceived as easy to use, supported by peers and institutions, and that users feel confident in their ability to navigate and benefit from it.

Social Influence and Support Are Key

Interestingly, while metaverse performance expectancy (the belief that using the metaverse will enhance educational performance) was an important factor, it was not as impactful as social influence and facilitating conditions. This suggests that students and educators are more likely to adopt the metaverse when they feel encouraged by others and when they have access to the necessary resources and support. Self-efficacy also played a significant role in determining whether users felt capable of adopting the metaverse, emphasizing the need for training and resources to help users feel competent in using this new technology. On the other hand, factors like hedonic motivation (the enjoyment derived from using the technology) and price value were found to have a lesser impact on behavioral intention to adopt the metaverse. This could indicate that in educational settings, practical concerns such as performance and ease of use outweigh more personal or entertainment-driven motivations.

Practical Implications for Educational Institutions

The development of the UTAUMT model represents a significant contribution to both the theoretical and practical understanding of technology adoption in education. By incorporating metaverse-specific factors into an established framework, the researchers have created a more accurate tool for predicting and understanding how educators and students might engage with this emerging technology. This model can guide future research into the adoption of the metaverse in various educational contexts and can help educational institutions and policymakers develop strategies for integrating the metaverse into curricula. Ensuring that the necessary technical infrastructure and support systems are in place is crucial for successful implementation. Furthermore, training programs designed to boost self-efficacy can significantly enhance the likelihood of adoption.

Shaping the Future of Education Through Metaverse Technology

As the metaverse continues to evolve, its role in education is expected to expand, making early understanding of its adoption critical for shaping future educational practices. By addressing users' concerns about ease of use and providing strong social and institutional support, educational leaders can foster a more positive attitude toward the metaverse, increasing its adoption rates. The study’s findings provide valuable insights for educators and institutions seeking to embrace this cutting-edge technology to create more engaging and effective learning experiences for students across the globe.