Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Educational management, GARMSAR Branch, Islamic Azad University, GARMSAR, Iran
2 Department of Educational management, c Branch , Islamic Azad University , GARMSAR, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The world of tomorrow differs from today’s world. It belongs to those who hold the reins of policy-making and planning, capable individuals who understand the demands of their time and plan accordingly. The education system serves as a key to the future, being one of the most vital social institutions in any country’s development. Its aim is to nurture creativity and talent among students. In this context, emerging technologies like the Metaverse have the potential to revolutionize education, creating a new civilization where place, time, and territory no longer constrain learning. This research focuses on forecasting through future-oriented planning based on scenarios. It delves into uncertainties and changing conditions, painting a panorama of diverse futures for policymakers. Its goal is to envision the future of Metaverse technology in education
Methods: This research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-combined (synchronization-data transformation model) based on scientific resources, documents, observations, field surveys, and software analysis in terms of research method. The research population included experts in education and technology units of provincial departments who were active in smart schools, media literacy, and electronic content production. A purposeful sampling method (snowball) was used to select 17 participants. In the qualitative section, all statements from the expert panel (10 webinar sessions, totaling 20 hours) were reviewed several times, important points were extracted, and structured questionnaires with Likert scale questions were prepared. Afterwards, the problem definition and identification of components began, and through the analysis of driving forces and existing uncertainties, the development and description of scenarios and the recommendation of strategic options were concluded. Qualitative data identified five key factors affecting the future of metaverse technologies in cultural-social, managerial, structural, physical, and economic dimensions through the expert panel. Quantitative analysis was based on the use of SPSS software, and qualitative data analysis was done through Vensim, MICMAC, and Scenario Wizard software, and strategy presentation was done with the SWOT analytical model. The research tools in the quantitative section included structured interviews with 42 items, which were prepared through the expert panel, and the face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts, with an alpha coefficient of 0.82 calculated
Findings: The structural analysis matrix of the drivers was calculated using the MicMac software and then through the Scenario Wizard software, the golden scenario (with 2 scenarios), the disaster scenario (19 scenarios), and the believable scenario (3 scenarios) were calculated. Also, through the SWOT table, the internal and external matrix was calculated, the coefficient and final score of internal factors were 1.94 and the score of external factors was 2.2, which indicates the internal weakness of the system and the average condition of the external system.
Conclusion: Despite the relative progress in the field of quantitative growth of education and technology compared to developed countries, the educational system of Iran has not had much success and technology and the use of virtual reality in the classroom has no meaning and the practionters are only satisfied with the purchase of technological equipment in the school; it is necessary to create a suitable platform to reach the golden scenario. If the goal is
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