M Metaverse technology and the provision of virtual worlds, which might be accessed as part of admissions, learning or engagement activities, could become part of students’ expectations in the context of a business school experience, according to new research from AMBA & BGA. Exploring the Metaverse: Perspectives from Students, Graduates and Employers finds that 12 per cent of current students considered the presence of metaverse technology at a business school as part of their decision-making process over where to study. Seven per cent of graduates also cited factoring this into their original choice of school, highlighting this as an area of
interest that is independent of our society’s fascination with the strides being made in artificial intelligence (AI). Certainly, people no longer view metaverse technology as being consigned to the world of gaming, where it has formed the bedrock of virtual world staples World of Warcraft , Second Life and Fortnite . In an increasingly borderless society, it can serve as a powerful tool to bridge geographical divides through the creation of realistic, shared experiences. Many business schools have already embraced the metaverse by using the technology to host open days, lectures and social events in a virtual world and, in some cases, they have even established virtual campuses. Among those surveyed for Exploring the Metaverse , 18 per cent of students said they have used the metaverse in some way at their school, as did 10 per cent of those who have already graduated. This raises questions about the metaverse’s place in the future of business education and in relation to online and hybrid learning. Do students and graduates value the technology and how much impact do they believe it will have on their careers? How are employers already using the technology and what place is it likely to hold in the future of work? By comparing the views of students, graduates and employers, AMBA & BGA’s report aims to shine a light on these questions. It is the fourth of four reports drawn from one global survey analysing the views and experiences of these three distinct groups within AMBA & BGA’s worldwide membership.
18 | Ambition | OCTOBER 2024
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