Later this year, the University of Tokyo plans to launch a number of educational programs that will take place in the Metaverse.
The initiative was started to address Japan’s shortage of experts working on quickly advancing technology.
The classes will be available to students from high school through adult learners in the workforce, according to a Saturday article from the local news source The Asahi Shimbun.
The article claimed that Todai’s department of engineering and graduate schools connected to engineering would administer the Metaverse study programs rather than its own dedicated faculty that confers degrees. Certificates will be given to students who finish the courses.
The goal of Todai’s project is to address the shortage of qualified workers in the fields of “digital transformation” and “advanced technologies.”
In addition, university representatives stressed that learning information science and engineering in the Metaverse will enable “anyone, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic position, and location of residence” to do so.
Although cryptocurrency and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) weren’t specifically mentioned, it’s possible that there will be some mention of blockchain-based platforms given that the industry is frequently linked to the Metaverse and has a number of well-known metaverse companies.
Students in junior high and high school will be given an overview of the topic and instructed on possible career paths in engineering, science, and other related fields. They will learn the material through a combination of online and in-person lessons.
Through relevant online courses focusing on next-generation communication technology, entrepreneurship education, and artificial intelligence (AI), university students and those currently in the workforce will have the chance to reskill/upskill.
There will also be an effort to encourage more women to enroll in the programs because it has been noted that there is a problem with the lack of female representation in engineering.
Metaverse in Japanese
As locals develop creative uses for the technology, there have been some significant Metaverse applications in Japan during the past few months.
Japan Today reported on Monday that the Fukuoka-based JACFA support group has opened a virtual support room on the SecondLife Metaverse platform. The organization focuses especially on reintegrating Hikkikomori, who are essentially reclusive persons who refuse to leave their houses, back into society.
The goal is to give Hikkikomori the opportunity to receive initial assistance without the pressure of face-to-face interaction because the issue has been recognized as a significant societal concern in Japan.
In April, it was also revealed that the NSG College League in Niigata hosted the 2022 commencement ceremony in the Metaverse for 3,800 students from a total of 29 trade schools, including those that specialize in beauty, sports, technology, hospitality, etc. To make it simple for everyone to participate without running the risk of contracting COVID-19, the event was held electronically.
