Effectiveness of the metaverse classroom in higher education: A scoping review

Abstract

In the field of higher education, the metaverse has garnered significant interest due to its potential to transform traditional classroom environments into immersive and interactive virtual spaces. The concept of the metaverse classroom is an integrated digital environment where students can engage in real-time interactions through three-dimensional simulations, personalized learning pathways, and collaborative social interactions. Its effectiveness is crucial for university students to adapt to a changing, more globalized, and interactive work environment. This exploratory review aimed to examine the evolution of the scientific literature on the metaverse classroom and to assess its effectiveness in higher education. A search was conducted using the Prisma-ScR extension, which facilitated the identification of relevant studies in electronic databases and the establishment of eligibility criteria. Fourteen papers were included in the final review. The findings indicated that there is limited literature specifically addressing the term "metaverse classroom." The year 2024 recorded the highest number of publications, followed by 2025. It was determined that the metaverse classroom is effective in higher education, as it enables students to develop creative media within virtual environments and simulated scenarios, and to collaborate in the virtual world. These virtual environments, as part of metaverse teaching, can enhance students' emotional engagement, concentration, and comprehension, thereby promoting more effective learning. The creation of a classroom within the metaverse enhances the learning experience and encourages educators to utilize innovative technological tools to achieve a more interactive and effective educational process.