Yavapai College Leaping Toward the Future with Classes in the Metaverse

The future of education is a hot topic as technology and innovation continue to change every industry. To excel in the future, we must accept these changes and adapt our current structures to take advantage of what technology can provide. It makes me proud that Yavapai College has its eyes set on the future, and the Metaverse is one of our focus areas.

“Metaversity,” as it is being called, is an immersive way for students to learn through virtual and augmented reality. The college has landed a grant with Meta and will partner with VictoryXR, a company specializing in virtual reality education. The grant provides Yavapai College with 25 Meta Quest 2 headsets to be used by students and instructors. The college will also have 10 branded classrooms at VictoryXR’s Virtual Academy. In addition, YC faculty and staff will receive training from VictoryXR.

The current form of traditional online learning can be difficult for students. Online learning presents itself as passive and unenjoyable via video conferencing. In contrast, VictoryXR’s immersive classrooms and campuses allow students to interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment through virtual reality. Educators are given training and 3D objects to teach a variety of subjects to students.

I participated in classes at the VictoryXR Virtual Academy and it is an incredible way to teach and learn. It is the future. We must change the mindset that technology will eliminate the need for people to work or learn. It is not, but it will change how people work and learn.

YC will now begin to determine which classes it will offer in the Metaverse, with the goal of the first classes being offered in the upcoming fall 2023 semester. YC will become one of the only community colleges in the country teaching in the Metaverse.

Students interested in taking classes in the metaverse should visit www.yc.edu/meta and fill out the information form.

I look forward to offering our students and communities the future of education where they can take advantage of cutting-edge learning experiences that are currently not widely available QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.

Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona, and the Prescott Airport.