Metaverse Foundations and Applications

This unit introduces the origins, major platforms, hardware, and economic systems of the metaverse while surveying key use cases in gaming, business, education, healthcare, and events. Students will learn safety and privacy considerations, complete hands-on setup tasks (crypto wallet and VR headset), and prepare simple plans for applying metaverse tools in real-world contexts.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the historical development and differentiate features, user models, and economies of major metaverse platforms (e.g., Horizon Worlds, Microsoft offerings) to recommend appropriate platforms for specific use cases
• Evaluate safety, privacy, and financial risks in metaverse environments and propose at least three mitigation strategies for protecting individuals and organizations
• Demonstrate creation of a basic crypto wallet account and perform initial configuration of a consumer VR headset to access a metaverse experience
• Apply metaverse concepts to develop a concise use-case plan (gaming, education, business, or events) that includes goals, target audience, platform choice, and first-mover advantage considerations