As new technologies like virtual reality promise a refinement of the hybrid learning model, b-school deans see business education tapping into the metaverse in 2022
Business school deans predict that 2022 will see the integration of business education into the metaverse as digital learning models are refined to enhance the student experience and boost the value of graduate management education.
Delphine Manceau, dean of NEOMA Business School in France, believes that the experimental phase of using new technology to create virtual experiences for students is over, and a more mature approach is now needed to develop the teaching models of tomorrow.
At NEOMA, that’s the case with the school’s virtual campus, a ‘NEOPedagogy model’ that combines face-to-face learning, synchronous distance learning, and asynchronous online learning.
“Our virtual campus is a kind of metaverse applied to higher education," Delphine explains. "It enables the interactions and atmosphere of a real campus in a digital learning and student environment.”
The technologies that make up the metaverse can include Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), ‘Metaversal’ worlds like that seen in video games like Fortnite, as well as a digital economy in which we create, buy, and sell goods.
So far, in the world of work and education, it’s VR that is the technological frontrunner. The likes of Meta’s Horizon Workrooms offers participants the chance to be in the same room as colleagues for virtual meetings, while Microsoft’s Mesh for Microsoft Teams offers that plus the chance to be virtually present on a factory floor.
As business schools are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and ramp up their commitment to training the next generation of sustainable leaders, business education could be ripe for disruption from the technologies central to the development of the metaverse.
The air travel necessary for study abroad trips and inviting guest speakers to campus could be replaced by students signing in virtually to a manufacturing plant in China or tech HQ in Silicon Valley, and guest speakers delivering conference talks as a virtual Avatar.
A metaverse business school use case?
ESSEC Business school, for example, has eliminated all long-haul travel to reduce its carbon footprint and has introduced virtual reality (VR) headsets for students already, so that they can still enjoy a similar experience to being in person.
The school plans to use VR so that students can remotely attend conferences, summits, and company networking events, connecting with key business individuals from around the world.
Technological disruption and the implementation of refined technologies into the virtual learning environment is set to be one of the key trends in higher education in 2022.
"For business educators, the year 2022 will see the refinement of the blended learning techniques we engaged with over the past two years in a way that enhances the overall experience for students," explains Vincent Mak, professor of marketing & decision sciences and vice dean for programs & research at Cambridge Judge Business School.
"We now know that programs of the highest quality can be delivered online, and we also know that many students crave in-person interactions and, importantly, that a hybrid pedagogical approach can enhance both elements."
There are more than 50 nationality in the grade, so there are opportunities to interact with people from all around the world. In terms of academics, the BBA course offers diverse courses for the 1st
Student
Verified
6/04/2022
On Campus
Creativity, adaptability and entrepreneurship
The Master in Management program at the ESSEC Business School allows the students to choose their courses accordingly to their preferences and their professional targets. We can also go through international exchange and take part in internships with companies that are also partners with the school. The school is also next to the city of Paris.
Prithwiraj
Verified
17/11/2021
On Campus
Top business school in France
Doing PhD in essec took some time, to be precise about five years. But the experience was very good and cost effective too. There are opportunities for the student for teaching assistantship and that helps both financially and in career. In the final year I could manage to teach marketing to M1 students and this helped shape my career
Student
Verified
30/10/2021
On Campus
Great college
The program is well suited for early professionals with an engineering degree preferably or a degree in economics. I would suggest taking the ceasure irrespective of the experience level as it helps you take your time to adjust to the job market.
Student
Verified
30/10/2021
Blended
Good school in France
I am currently enrolled in M2 in Essec business school. I am specialising in marketing management. The Grande Ecole programme is valued in France and my school ranks very high up. There are a lot of opportunities for internships and CDD.
Student
Verified
9/02/2020
The program curriculum
BBA program. The program is really practical and useful, provide us many international opportunities. Like internship and humanitarian experience, and the flexibility is also really cool, we can choose different campus and tracks as we want.
Véronique
Verified
11/12/2019
International Course
This school is very international and business oriented. Highly recognized by the companies The campus has been renovated and is very functional and modern from now on. Excellent atmosphere. Reputation of essec is a plus
kevin
Verified
11/11/2019
Friends, Career opportunities.
The program I did gave me the opportunity to start in Singapore. I got the chance to know all the students that started there and we bonded and made some friends for life. The career opportunities that ESSEC also gave me were unbelievable.
Student
Verified
25/09/2019
Practical and useful
I think the best thing about Essec is that it's not focusing on academics rather it emphasizes on future job mindset and professional experiences..
The classes are interesting and we have plenty of workshops attributing to different sectors..
The campus is very nice with a good cafe and wonderful library.
The only problem is the location of the campus. It's quite far from Paris.
Kartik
Verified
14/02/2024
On Campus
Amazing experience! Must try
I think its a very amazing school with great and experienced faculty. Also the alumni network is very solid and useful. The school has a great balance of studies and work experience which is really essential for a student.
