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Journals / Journal of Metaverse / 2026 / Issue: 6

Foresight Analysis of Future Scenarios for Metaverse-Enabled Learning in Higher Education by 2040: A Cross-Impact Delphi Study

Fawzia Omer Alubthane(Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)0000-0002-1952-6569
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-07-20
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The results indicate that five of the six factors achieved the predefined consensus threshold across all three Delphi rounds, with rising support costs representing the sole exception, reflecting persistent expert uncertainty regarding the favorable resolution of infrastructure costs.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study investigates the potential trajectories of metaverse-based learning in higher education by 2040 through an examination of the cross-impact relationships among key factors related to technology, society, economy, and pedagogy.
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Key Findings & Data:By utilizing a methodology that incorporates both the Delphi method and cross-impact analysis, this research identified key determinants that ultimately influence the future direction of the educational metaverse.
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Conclusion & Impact:The results indicate that five of the six factors achieved the predefined consensus threshold across all three Delphi rounds, with rising support costs representing the sole exception, reflecting persistent expert uncertainty regarding the favorable resolution of infrastructure costs.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:2040 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Metaverse · Delphi method · Future scenarios

Abstract

This study investigates the potential trajectories of metaverse-based learning in higher education by 2040 through an examination of the cross-impact relationships among key factors related to technology, society, economy, and pedagogy. By utilizing a methodology that incorporates both the Delphi method and cross-impact analysis, this research identified key determinants that ultimately influence the future direction of the educational metaverse. The results indicate that five of the six factors achieved the predefined consensus threshold across all three Delphi rounds, with rising support costs representing the sole exception, reflecting persistent expert uncertainty regarding the favorable resolution of infrastructure costs. The findings indicate significant potential to advance technological development, students’ use of virtual technologies, and government backing, while cost represents the most prominent challenge. Three specific scenarios were developed: “The Ubiquitous Metaverse University," “The Blended Learning Metaverse," and “The Fragmented and Disrupted Metaverse." The findings offer a critical perspective for decision-makers, educators and institutions of higher education in how to prepare for a complex future in terms of metaverse-based learning in higher education.

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Cite This Article

Alubthane, F. O. (2026). Foresight Analysis of Future Scenarios for Metaverse-Enabled Learning in Higher Education by 2040: A Cross-Impact Delphi Study. Journal of Metaverse, Issue: 6. https://doi.org/10.57019/jmv.1913416

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