First Lesson in the Metaverse Universe from Gazi University

MetaversePlanet October 13, 2023Last Updated: August 21, 2024

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Gazi University in Ankara has launched ‘GaziVerse’, a cutting-edge platform utilizing metaverse technology to merge virtual and physical realities, creating an immersive digital universe.

This groundbreaking platform’s groundwork was laid in 2022 by a team of expert researchers, administrative staff, and students. Following intensive development, it was introduced at the start of this academic term.

Marking a significant achievement for GaziVerse, the university’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Musa Yıldız, conducted the first lecture in this virtual space.

Both the Rector and the students participated in the lecture through their digital avatars, demonstrating the platform’s capability for interactive education. This lecture was also streamed on the university’s social media channels. Furthermore, there are plans to develop a digital twin of Gazi University as part of this initiative.

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‘Technologies that will shape the business world of the future’

First Lesson in the Metaverse Universe from Gazi University

Prof. Dr. Musa Yıldız highlighted their goal to lead a new academic era this year by leveraging metaverse technology. “Our Distance Education Research and Application Center at Gazi University (GUZEM) gained invaluable experience, especially during the global pandemic.

We are proud of our highly skilled team there. The dedicated professionals at our center are committed to refining their expertise with such cutting-edge technologies. Thanks to their knowledge, we’ve successfully held this first lesson in the metaverse.”

Prof. Yıldız further outlined his vision for the future. “I view technologies like virtual reality, Web3, blockchain, and the metaverse as fundamental elements that will shape the professional world in the years to come.

As we move forward, many activities will take place in virtual environments alongside the physical world. Our participation in these projects ensures that we stay updated with new developments. More crucially, it enables our youth to familiarize themselves with and dive into the technological intricacies of their future.”

In the laboratory, in the anatomy class at the hospital…

Prof. highlighted that they are the pioneers in Turkey in implementing such an application in education. Dr. Yıldız pointed out that virtual reality and metaverse applications could be utilized across all educational fields, stating, “In other words, this virtual environment allows you to educate students in any subject you can imagine, whether it’s a laboratory setting, an anatomy class in a hospital, or a geography lesson. For anatomy classes, you might spend a significant amount of money obtaining cadavers for students to study. However, with these technologies, you can provide them with a virtual environment where they can explore all aspects of the cadaver in 3D.”

Students can delve into more detailed exploration in the virtual environment than they could in a conventional setting. Take geography as an example; if you wish to teach about Norway, students can virtually travel across Norway, step by step, and observe it firsthand. In the virtual world, students have the chance to explore mountains, hills, and greenery more thoroughly.

Everything appears flat on a map. There are students who cannot perceive the undulations of hills, mountains, plains, plateaus, or visualize subsurface resources. But with this technology, you can easily demonstrate everything about a country. “The GaziVerse project will be a groundbreaking initiative that will lead to significant changes in education,” he concluded.