What actually is the metaverse? Well, if we think of the internet as something that we look at, the metaverse is a version of the internet that we're inside. The idea is that we will experience the metaverse as an avatar, a virtual version of ourselves that we control as we explore this new online frontier, but what will we actually do?Okay, so Bos here we are in what might be considered a representation of what the metaverse could be.Yeah, for us the metaverse is a spatial construct as opposed to the previous web which was really a very linear kind of 2D flat thing. We want this one to be immersive now of course it doesn't mean it has to be virtual reality, it could also just be on a phone or on a desktop computer.You might have noticed that we're using the tools of the metaverse to create a good portion of this item. My avatar has been created by a couple of companies, Ready Player Me and Oz. They already create tools for people to make avatars from a photo. It's this virtual version of us which will travel between online experiences in any metaverse
And then over time what I’m most excited about is an economy there, and I mean you know economy not just of digital goods sure, and entertainment that's great, but also services. In an immersive environment I’m going to have an avatar, I’m going to need a stylist, I’m going to have a home space. Microsoft has adapted its workplace meeting software Teams for the Metaverse by creating a system called Mesh. It's designed to work with a variety of different devices including virtual and augmented reality. AR as it's known projects graphics on top of the real-world using headsets like Microsoft's HoloLens or mobile phones. There's quite a few people that have got fatigued by having to have video chat meetings and things of that nature and that they realize they now crave human contact Human communication is about five percent, speech is about 95 percent everything else. I’ve been in my you know living room with the entire team around the table. Right, making eye contact, where all the gestures are coming into the right place, so it changes completely, the you know call it the screen fatigue we're feeling today.
“people that have got fatigued”
The next piece of the metaverse puzzle isn't just about seeing these virtual worlds, but feeling them as well. Meta has revealed that it's been working on a glove that will let the user feel sensations like holding an object. The glove has a number of sensors that measure the wearer's movements and air pockets across the glove surface inflate to create sensation. These gloves aren't quite ready for prime time yet, but they're an indicator of the kind of research that's going on behind the scenes.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Watch and summarize the video thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or false – The Metaverse can only be used on a desktop computer. T/F
b) There are some companies dedicated to creating avatars. T/F
c) True or False – Human communication is 95% of everything. T/F
d) True or False – Meta sells a popular glove that will let users feel things. T/F
Part 4: Dictation
a) Fill in the blanks (0:01 - 0:13 minutes) Well, if we_______________________________________________________we're inside.
b) Fill in the blanks (1:07 - 1:13 minutes) It’s this___________________________________________________________any metaverse.
c) Fill in the blanks (2:35 - 2:43 minutes) The glove ______________________________________________________ create sensations.
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
Scenario 1: Avatar creation
In this scenario, students will pretend to be representatives from companies that create avatars. They will talk to each other about the features of their avatars and how they can improve them. The goal is to persuade the other group to use their company's avatar creation tool.
Scenario 2: Stylist appointment
In this scenario, students will pretend to be a stylist and a client in the metaverse. The client will describe their virtual appearance and the stylist will offer suggestions on how to improve it. The goal is to practice using descriptive language to communicate visual concepts.
Scenario 3: early adopter vs late adopter
In this scenario one person plays the role of an early adopter and explains what the Metaverse is and its benefits and the other person plays the role of someone who doesn’t know much about technology and how it all works.
Part 7: Writing Activity
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a smartphone?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - Metaverse at work/school
Your company or school have proposed that all meetings and classes will be held in the Metaverse.
In groups discuss the pros and cons of this proposal.
Group A thinks this is a good idea and group B opposes it.
Come back as a class and discuss the proposal then reach a consensus on the best Metaverse usage policy in your company or school.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
This video was created by the BBC (British Broadcasting Company) which is a media group from the United Kingdom. The BBC is investigating the question “what is the Metaverse?” and they interview Andrew Bosworth (Bos) from the Company Meta to get more information. The video describes the Metaverse as a version of the internet where we feel inside rather than something we look at on screen. The speakers also talk about the various tools that are available to help make the user experience better and more conformable. They also talk about creating an avatar that users can use inside the Metaverse. Lastly, the video talks about the possible downsides of using the Metaverse for a long period of time and proposes that it could cause fatigue and mean that people will miss human contact, a claim that Alex Kipman (Microsoft) rejects.
Part 2: True or False
A: False B: True C: False D: False
Part 3: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Experience" Answer: Experience means to have something happen to you or to do or feel something because in the listening the speaker talks about being an avatar and being able to explore the Metaverse.
b) "Immersive" Answer: To feel completely involved or surrounded by something. In the listening the speakers talk about the Metaverse not just being a 2D, but that it is a spatial construct. This means that it will feel more open and “immersive”.
c) "Fatigued" Answer: This means to feel tired or exhausted because in the listening the speakers are talking about how some people complain about spending too much time looking at computer screens.
d) "Sensations" Answer: I think it means the ability to feel something physically because in the listening the speakers are talking about Meta’s special gloves that allow users to experience the feeling of touching items in the Metaverse.
Part 4: Dictation
a) Fill in the blanks (0:01 - 0:13 minutes) Well, if we think of the internet as something that we look at, the metaverse is a version of the internet that we're inside.
b) Fill in the blanks (1:07 - 1:13 minutes) They already create tools for people to make avatars from a photo. It's this virtual version of us which will travel between online experiences in any metaverse.
c) Fill in the blanks (2:35 - 2:43 minutes) The glove has a number of sensors that measure the wearer's movements and air pockets across the glove surface inflate to create sensations.
Part 7: Writing (example)
Owning a smartphone has several advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, smartphones offer a wide range of functionalities that can be really helpful in daily life. They allow you to stay connected with friends and family through calls, texts, and social media. Smartphones also provide access to a world of information through the internet, making it easy to research topics, find directions, and get the latest news. Additionally, they serve as versatile tools with applications for productivity, entertainment, and even fitness. However, there are downsides as well. Smartphones can be distracting and lead to reduced face-to-face social interaction. They may also contribute to screen addiction and privacy concerns, as our personal data is often stored on these devices. Moreover, constant connectivity can be overwhelming, and excessive use can affect one's mental and physical health. In conclusion, while smartphones offer many benefits, it's important to use them mindfully to balance the advantages with the potential drawbacks.
