Using Metaverse in Education: Bibliometric and Content Analysis on Applications, Tools and Impacts

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the impact of metaverse technologies in the field of education. To achieve this objective, bibliometrics and content analysis were employed. During the study, a total of 178 studies were subjected to bibliometric analysis, while 112 studies specifically focused on education were examined through content analysis. The analysis revealed that most publications were concentrated in 2023 (n=98) and 2022 (n=67). Furthermore, the most frequently employed keywords in these studies included metaverse, virtual reality, augmented reality, education, and artificial intelligence. In terms of country distribution, the highest number of publications originated from China (n=103), followed by South Korea (n=73), India (n=34), and the USA (n=30). On the authorship front, the most prolific contributors were Kim, J., Lee, H., Lee, L. H., and Niyato, D. In the realm of metaverse utilization in education, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and extended reality technologies emerged as the most prominent. Additionally, the analysis identified higher education and secondary education as the primary contexts for metaverse application. The recommendations presented in the examined studies were categorized into five groups: To Ensure a Quality Learning Experience, To Improve Student Experience, For Skill Development, To Support Education Activities, and For Material Use. Finally, regarding the limitations of metaverse technology in education, a six-category structure was identified, encompassing Technical Problems, High Cost, Ethical and Safety Concerns, Learning Requirements, Limitations of the Technology Used, and Health Problems.