Imbrication of the Metaverse in the complexity of education 4.0: Approach from an analysis of the literature

Abstract

The Metaverse as an object of study has increased due to its potential to create immersive environments to bring people closer to alternate realities. Although the research carried out allows us to know conceptual and application aspects, there is limited knowledge about how it is intertwined with the complexity of education 4.0. In this study, a systematic review of the literature (SLR) was carried out with 231 investigations compiled from Scopus and Web of Science in which the Metaverse was interwoven with the components of education 4.0. The results evidenced: (a) a large growth in publications since 2022, (b) the predominance of the use of the Metaverse in the industry of algorithm design and retail sales, (c) a strong collaboration to develop infrastructure 4.0 among researchers from the United States of America, South Korea, China, the United Kingdom and Japan, (d) the application of the Metaverse using immersive, augmented technologies and the design of avatars, as well as its application as an e-learning strategy. It is concluded that the subject has aroused interest in the academy, not only because of its impact on the knowledge of emerging technologies, but also because of its importance in the evolution of digital ecosystems.