Ed3 Weekly Issue #57: Metaverse, ʻMemba Me?
Circling back on the metaverse amongst the AI hype
Hello web3 and education frens,
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Like many of my peers in education, I have been closely following the AI story over the past few months. There has been an abundance of resources focused on AI in recent issues of this newsletter. However, I want to ensure that I maintain diverse coverage of all the components that contribute to the evolution of the Internet, encompassing what we refer to as web3.
Amidst all the developments in AI, it's crucial to acknowledge that several other technologies are being developed in parallel. The metaverse, mixed reality, and blockchain are also progressing and evolving with the aid of this transformative technology.
This week, I would like to revisit the state of the metaverse, considering the prominence of AI in the current narrative. It is important for us to stay well-informed about these other technologies and not lose sight of the significant changes happening on a large scale. By broadening our perspective, we can ensure a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted transformation taking place in the digital landscape.
Here is a summary of the resources for the week:
📖 Summary of how the story of the metaverse is being written
🥽 Write up of how Apple may be jumping into the virtual reality game
🔮 Is 2023 the year for mixed reality? Look back at a bold prediction from January
✍️ A student shares their experience with using chatGPT in a writing course
The Evolving Story of the Metaverse
Photo credit: Midjourney
Tom Ffiske of the Immersive Wire has been holding up the metaverse flag for a while now, and we are better for it. He has been able to keep a solid reasoned grounding about this technology amidst all the noise. This piece explores how the narrative of the metaverse has been lost during this recent downturn in interest.
I appreciate Ffiske’s perspective. He acknowledges that the metaverse story has been flawed from the beginning, and he offers us some solutions on why it needs to change. There are two main points to double-click on. One, that the metaverse as a term is flawed as it has been introduced to our lexicon via a science fiction book. It is too tied to a dystopian future rather than being allowed to exist on its own merit. And secondly, we are missing the point that the metaverse can mean different things to different participants.
He offers a quick summary of this last point the following way: "Niantic calls for a real-world metaverse that blends the virtual and real – which pairs well with its AR offering. Compare this to Animoca Brands, which performed the most "metaverse" deals in 2022. Its vision is more blockchain-based than competitors, in sharp contrast to more spatial companies like Niantic. Then look at Meta, which focuses on social connectivity, while Microsoft emphasizes the tech stack."
Is Apple Joining the Metaverse Party?
Image by AppleInsider
Apple, known for its stylish, well-designed, and functional hardware, holds the position of a market leader. Given their expertise and influence, if there is any company capable of rewriting the metaverse narrative, it's Apple. The recently revealed rendering of Apple's headset serves as a tantalizing glimpse into what might be unveiled in June, potentially indicating a significant development.
If the rumors prove true, the impact of Apple's entry into the metaverse space cannot be understated. Apple possesses a unique ability to redefine how technology integrates into our daily lives. Just as they revolutionized the smartphone industry with the iPhone, Apple has the potential to bring about transformative changes in how we perceive and engage with the metaverse. While it may not reach the level of a watershed moment akin to the iPhone's debut, it can undoubtedly provide the much-needed boost that the metaverse story desperately requires.
Bold Prediction for 2023
Credit: Gorodenkoff / Adobe Stock
It's almost the middle of the year, so what do you think? Is it the year of mixed reality? So far, you're probably saying, “not so much.” Instead, this year seems to be dominated by advancements in AI. I can understand the point that the people at Big Think were trying to convey in this article once I take a step back.
In contrast to virtual and augmented reality, mixed reality suggests that digitally enhanced real-life experiences are the direction we're heading towards. Is it merely a matter of semantics? Making such a bold prediction back in January seemed plausible, but as we approach the second half of the year, AI surpasses all expectations. However, we are still a long way from fully leveraging AI to construct digital assets that will serve as the foundation for a mixed-reality future.
Students Embrace AI Writing Tools
Photo by Kevin Pirehpour/ASU Enterprise Technology
"We possess the potential to mold the future of AI tools and their role in our lives." This quote comes from an Arizona State University student upon completing the Methods of Inquiry course offered during the spring semester of 2023. As discussed in last week's issue, my interest in how students utilize LLM has been growing, even more so than the teachers.
This article sheds light on the student experience and brings attention to certain disparities as we transition into a post-ChatGPT world. Students express their enthusiasm regarding the effectiveness of these tools in enhancing their writing skills. This serves as evidence that when educators guide students in utilizing such tools instead of penalizing them for doing so, we can foster deep learning and provide valuable support.
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