Pilot aims to guide learners into the metaverse | NCFE

A cutting-edge initiative is underway to develop a platform for mixed reality (MR) that will enhance assessment practices and provide a more immersive learning experience.

Metaverse Learning has secured a £50,000 grant from the Assessment Innovation Fund, in collaboration with NCFE and Ufi VocTech Trust. The project aims to address the limitations of virtual reality by delivering tailored learning experiences.

The goal is to develop assessment solutions that prioritize the learner, utilizing technology to create an inclusive, fair, and dependable experience. Metaverse Learning intends to investigate how MR can cater to neurodiverse requirements and automatically adjust the complexity of activities based on the learner’s stage and knowledge.

Jason Holt CBE, Co-founder and CEO of Metaverse Learning, stated:

“We are excited to launch this innovative project with NCFE, marking a significant stride in establishing inclusive learning environments.

“By leveraging AI, our objective is to create immersive experiences that are customized to individual needs, considering their cognitive profiles. This is the first step towards ensuring each learner receives personalized support throughout their educational journey.”

The Enhanced Assessment Immersive Learning (EAIL) project will involve a randomized control test with 200 learners from selected UK colleges. Participants will be split into two groups, with one group completing standard MR modules, while the other group experiences MR learning tailored by EAIL’s diagnostic assessments and adaptive technology.

The evaluation data will assess EAIL’s impact on learner engagement, understanding, and learning outcomes, providing insights into how personalized MR experiences influence retention and confidence. The team at Metaverse Learning anticipates that this technology will lead to:

improved assessment of learning by accurately determining each learner’s starting point
a more effective learning environment by addressing personal barriers and improving understanding
exposure to diverse scenarios through randomized learning scenarios for a more realistic experience
formative assessments tailored to individual abilities through adaptive assessments

The pilot study has been made possible by NCFE’s Assessment Innovation Fund and Ufi VocTech Trust. Launched in 2021 to support evidence-based alternative assessment solutions that can be tested in real-life settings, the fund has already invested over £1 million in various innovative projects.

Dean Blewitt, Senior Innovation and Investments Manager at NCFE, mentioned:

“In collaboration with Ufi VocTech Trust, we are pleased to back Metaverse Learning through the Assessment Innovation Fund, which promotes forward-thinking projects focusing on inclusivity and adaptability for learners.

“By funding this project, we aim to develop AI-powered, immersive assessments tailored to individual learning needs. Together with Ufi, we are dedicated to advancing educational assessment practices that help adults develop skills for today’s workforce, ensuring a responsive and equitable system that meets diverse needs across the UK.”

Learn more about the project and our Assessment Innovation Fund here.