Department of Information Technology Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
10.22099/jsli.2026.8547
Abstract
The metaverse, as a new generation of the Internet, creates a hybrid environment of physical and virtual realities where users can interact simultaneously, unrestricted by time or location. In the context of higher education, this emerging technology offers significant potential for interactive learning experiences, personalized educational processes, and enhanced cross-border communication. This study aims to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating the metaverse into higher education. The research population includes academic experts, university faculty members, and professionals in the field of the metaverse, selected using purposive sampling based on theoretical saturation. In the first phase, the Delphi technique was employed to collect and analyze expert opinions across several rounds. In the second phase, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to prioritize and weigh the identified factors. Findings indicate that the most influential factors for the successful implementation of the metaverse in higher education are "regulations and policies," "information security," and "user acceptance," while "implementation costs" and "quality of user experience" have the least impact. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the metaverse's opportunities and challenges and offers practical recommendations for policymakers and educational administrators to optimally leverage this innovative technology. The results can serve as a foundation for planning and developing the necessary legal and technological infrastructures to support effective integration of the metaverse in the higher education system.
Abaspoui ONari, M. and Shafiee, S. (2025). Identification and Prioritization of Opportunities and Challenges of Using the Metaverse in Higher Education: A Delphi–AHP Approach. Journal of Studies in Learning & Instruction, 17(2), 116-93. doi: 10.22099/jsli.2026.8547
MLA
Abaspoui ONari, M. , and Shafiee, S. . "Identification and Prioritization of Opportunities and Challenges of Using the Metaverse in Higher Education: A Delphi–AHP Approach", Journal of Studies in Learning & Instruction, 17, 2, 2025, 116-93. doi: 10.22099/jsli.2026.8547
HARVARD
Abaspoui ONari, M., Shafiee, S. (2025). 'Identification and Prioritization of Opportunities and Challenges of Using the Metaverse in Higher Education: A Delphi–AHP Approach', Journal of Studies in Learning & Instruction, 17(2), pp. 116-93. doi: 10.22099/jsli.2026.8547
CHICAGO
M. Abaspoui ONari and S. Shafiee, "Identification and Prioritization of Opportunities and Challenges of Using the Metaverse in Higher Education: A Delphi–AHP Approach," Journal of Studies in Learning & Instruction, 17 2 (2025): 116-93, doi: 10.22099/jsli.2026.8547
VANCOUVER
Abaspoui ONari, M., Shafiee, S. Identification and Prioritization of Opportunities and Challenges of Using the Metaverse in Higher Education: A Delphi–AHP Approach. Journal of Studies in Learning & Instruction, 2025; 17(2): 116-93. doi: 10.22099/jsli.2026.8547
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