Bridging Theory into Practice: An Investigation of the Opportunities and Challenges to the Implementation of Metaverse-Based Teaching in Higher Education Institutions

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shift in how education is delivered from face-to-face environments to virtual learning platforms. Moreover, virtual learning platforms are becoming increasingly popular in higher education institutions as they provide immersive experiences that improve student experience. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the large-scale implications of Metaverse-based learning systems within higher education institutions. With the increasing opportunities and challenges associated with Metaverse-based learning systems, this scoping review investigates the key opportunities and challenges associated with implementing Metaverse-based teaching in higher education institutions. In doing so, the study also showcases how theoretical notions of the technology acceptance model (i.e., TAM) and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (i.e., UTAUT) are linked with user acceptance towards Metaverse-based teaching in higher education institutions. Additionally, keyword searches are carried out on Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases to screen out studies that meet the selection criteria of the analysis. In doing so, the study’s findings are depicted with the help of VOSviewer, which showcases the key clusters and studies related to opportunities and challenges of Metaverse-based teaching in higher education institutions. The findings showcase that most of the studies are published on Metaverse and its related technologies, such as AR, and how it creates an immersive learning experience through the help of gamification. Finally, the paper concludes with future directions related to the large-scale implementation of Metaverse-based teaching in higher education institutions.