ABSTRACT VIEW
TEACHING MATHEMATICS USING METAVERSE TECHNOLOGY: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
I.M. Santos1, A. Jarrah1, A.A. Khan1, M. Hasan1, S. Shukri Mohammed2
1 Emirates College for Advanced Education (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES)
2 Khalifa University (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES)
This paper explores the use of metaverse technology in teaching mathematics in primary education. Mathematics is fundamental to all aspects of life, and with a good foundation in this subject, one can avoid difficulties in life. Students learning mathematics can acquire several skills, such as logical reasoning and critical thinking. Particularly, problem solving is central to mathematics teaching, developing students’ abilities to find solutions to complex problems, and thinking logically and creatively. However, teaching mathematics is challenging, requiring teachers to adopt methods and approaches to create opportunities to engage students in developing creative problem-solving skills. Given the emergence of metaverse technology in education and its potential for enhancing mathematics learning experiences, we designed and implemented a research project that explores its potential to foster children’s creative problem-solving skills in mathematics at the primary level. Participants were grade-four teachers and students from a private school in the United Arab Emirates who engaged in mathematics activities in the Metaverse learning space. This paper will discuss challenges and opportunities experienced while designing and implementing the metaverse learning activities with students and teachers. The paper will also discuss implications and recommendations for practice and future research.

Keywords: Metaverse, virtual reality, problem-solving, primary, immersive experience, affordances, challenges.

Event: INTED2025
Session: Immersive Virtual Experiences and the Metaverse
Session time: Monday, 3rd of March from 11:00 to 12:15
Session type: ORAL