Utilizing the Metaverse in Astrosociology: Examine Students' Perspectives of Space Science Education

Abstract

Big economic countries must invest in space skills to create a favorable business environment, particularly in KSA considering the present mindset in outer space. KSA's vast landmass is a tremendous asset that makes it the perfect position to provide space services throughout the Middle East and the world. Space science education is becoming increasingly important, requiring advanced technology and computational skills to benefit early-career scientists. The Ministry of Education in KSA has declared that students will take Earth and Space Sciences to prepare them for global competition. Traditional learning experiences seem to have little to no impact on students' conceptual understandings of the space science courses. The sociological interests of Generation Z serve as the foundation for modern Metaverse approaches. Students' comprehension and interest in studying space and the galaxy are increased by provided a simulation of space travel using metaverse technology. The major goal of this study is to underline the significance and usefulness of employing metaverse technology while creating a new space science curriculum to advance knowledge in the field of space scientific education. Another goal is to introduce the value of astrosociology in understanding how people might interact with one another in space. A voluntary survey was completed by 39 students prior to their training in the metaverse space simulation as part of this study. They then used the space simulation with careful observation. After that, they reply to a follow-up survey. The findings supported the suggestion that the metaverse should be included in space science curricula. A number of comments and interests also arise on the viability of space travel, social interaction, and the advantages of using the metaverse to research these issues.