Metaverse is a key facet of Web 3 alongside digital assets. Metaverse makers used blockchain technology to build it that uses NFTs, Cryptos, and other digital assets. It operates on a decentralized platform that allows users to create their avatars to experience the world of Virtual Reality and augmented reality that enabling a user to access real-world experiences online. It has particularly revolutionized the online gaming industry.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is embracing metaverse technology. The ivy league institution is launching virtual classes on the metaverse. Online campuses will revolutionize the learning experience and offer students and tutors a chance to benefit from features of extended reality (XR) technology.
Introducing the MetaHKUST
According to an official press release, the virtual campuses will be known as the MetaHKUST. The stringent Chinese containment measures inconvenience the university. It operates campuses in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and students have been unable to access them due to travel restrictions.
The project will be implemented on a decentralized platform that will allow users to create features that will enable them to experience virtual reality.
The Waterfall Methodology
The concept actualization will be achieved using the waterfall methodology. The first stage of coding will entail putting up the virtual physical infrastructure. It will consist of cameras, sensors, visualization tools, and an XR classroom. It will also include scanning the physical campuses in real time to enable students to log on to platforms and access images of the campus. The feature will support remote access to the two campuses.
The second phase will allow users to generate content independently. The available features will include avatars, tokens, NFTs, virtual arts, and more, which will be visible to other online community members.
According to Prof. Wang Yang and Prof. Pan Hui, the project leaders, the initiative will enable HKUST to leverage the potential of Web 3.0. They further confirmed that the project would prove that Hong Kong is a pacesetter in establishing futuristic technology.
The Interaction Between Digital Assets and Metaverse
Extended reality (XR) is supported by Blockchain infrastructure, which is secure and user-friendly. In the context of an educational institution, the platform can enable the university to offer NFTs as blockchain-backed diplomas and transcripts. Students and lecturers will also be able to interact seamlessly on the metaverse platform.
Across the South China sea in Japan, the University of Tokyo is also establishing a metaverse platform for virtual classes. In the USA, the University of Arizona is also racing against time to be a leader in Web 3 .0. innovation. The institution is also filing trademarks for some of its discoveries.
The MetaHKUST is set to be launched in September 2022 and will be accessible to members.