What is the Metaverse? from Coursera

The metaverse isn’t just for gamers or developers, it will be for everyone. In this free course from the experts at Meta, you’ll learn what the metaverse is, what it means for our world today and into the future, and the opportunities it presents for both professionals and businesses.

Understand the metaverse fundamentals

Experts will guide you through a broad range of topics spanning the metaverse ecosystem, from communication and collaboration to NFTs and cryptocurrency, from avatars and devices to platforms and game engines. You’ll learn about augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality, NFTs, blockchain, web3, cryptocurrency, and more.

Discover new ways to connect, learn, and work

The metaverse provides new ways to connect people, websites, platforms and realities. You’ll explore how it will enhance online social experiences, the future of work and learning.

Opportunities for professionals and businesses

The metaverse will be built by everyone, with creative and practical applications being developed every day by imaginative people. Learn how the metaverse will be applied in areas like healthcare, education, city planning, art, and more—and how you can start creating these experiences today. You’ll also learn how the metaverse can make the world a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive place.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the fundamental knowledge of the metaverse to determine future areas of interest, learning, or professional growth.

What's inside

Syllabus

What is the metaverse?

In this module, you will take your first steps into the metaverse, exploring what it is, how to interact with it, and how to communicate and connect with others within it. You'll also examine the ecological ramifications of the metaverse, and the role of decentralization in making the metaverse more ethical, inclusive, and accessible.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the fundamentals of the metaverse, which is a subject of high relevance to tech industry professionals and researchers

Taught by experts from Meta, a leading company in the development of the metaverse

Provides a comprehensive overview of the metaverse, covering topics from communication and collaboration to NFTs and cryptocurrency

Explored new ways to connect and interact with people, websites, platforms, and realities

Examines the potential of the metaverse for diverse applications in healthcare, education, and more

Provides opportunities for creative and practical applications in the development of the metaverse

Reviews summary

Foundational overview of the metaverse

According to learners, this course offers an excellent foundational overview of the Metaverse, making it highly recommended for beginners. Students appreciate its ability to demystify complex concepts and cover a broad range of topics, from AR/VR to NFTs and blockchain, including crucial discussions on ethical considerations and societal impact. However, some learners note the content is very high-level and superficial, making it less suitable for those seeking deep technical insights or practical applications. A few also felt it had a promotional feel for Meta's products. Overall, it serves as a solid introductory resource but may not offer much new for those already familiar with the subject.

Explores a wide array of fundamental metaverse concepts.

"It covers a broad range of topics from AR/VR to NFTs and blockchain..."

"I found the module on 'Money in the Metaverse' particularly insightful, especially regarding blockchain and crypto."

"I appreciated the discussion around ethics and inclusivity, which is often overlooked."

Ideal for those with no prior knowledge of the subject.

"...perfect for a general audience."

"Good for absolute beginners, but not for anyone seeking more depth or technical insight."

"Highly recommended for beginners and those looking for a foundational understanding."

Provides a comprehensive and accessible starting point.

"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone curious about the Metaverse."

"Absolutely fantastic! As someone with zero prior knowledge about the Metaverse, this course broke down complex concepts into easily digestible chunks."

"An excellent primer for the Metaverse. The breadth of topics covered is impressive for an introductory course."

Perceived by some as promotional for the publishing company.

"Some parts felt a bit promotional for Meta's own products, but overall, it's a solid overview."

"It felt more like a marketing presentation at times rather than an educational course."

"The emphasis on Meta's perspective was clear."

Information is foundational, lacking in-depth technical details.

"The information is very high-level and basic. If you already have some understanding of Web3, NFTs, or VR, you might not learn much new."

"Don't expect deep dives, but it sets a good foundation."

"Very disappointed. It's too superficial. I was expecting more technical details or practical applications for professionals."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in What is the Metaverse? with these activities:

Review 'The Metaverse: And How it Will Revolutionize Everything' by Matthew Ball

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Gain insights into the potential impact and applications of the metaverse from an industry expert.

View The Metaverse on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key points.
Summarize the main arguments and perspectives presented in the book.
Analyze the implications of the metaverse for different industries and sectors.

Review introductory blockchain concepts

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Review the basic principles of blockchain technology to enhance understanding of metaverse concepts.

Browse courses on Blockchain Basics

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Revise the concepts of distributed ledger technology and decentralized networks.
Explore real-world applications of blockchain, such as cryptocurrencies and smart contracts.
Review the different types of blockchain platforms and their underlying architectures.

Revisit augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) concepts

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Refresh knowledge on AR and VR principles to enhance understanding of their role in metaverse applications.

Browse courses on Immersive Technologies

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Review the basic principles of augmented and virtual reality and their applications.
Explore real-world use cases of AR and VR, such as gaming, education, and training.
Review the different types of AR/VR devices and their technical specifications.

Four other activities

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Design a simple metaverse application prototype

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Create a practical application to demonstrate understanding and envision use cases for the metaverse.

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Choose a specific metaverse platform to focus on.
Identify the target audience and the purpose of the application.
Design the user experience and interface for the application.
Develop a basic prototype of the application using appropriate tools and technologies.
Evaluate the prototype and make necessary refinements.

Create a blog post or video on the metaverse's potential for social impact

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Demonstrate understanding of the ethical and social implications of the metaverse.

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Research and gather data on the potential social impact of the metaverse.
Develop a clear and engaging narrative for your blog post or video.
Create high-quality content that is informative and accessible to a general audience.
Publish your content on a relevant platform and promote it through social media.

Build a personal website that showcases your metaverse knowledge and skills

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Create a professional portfolio to highlight your expertise in the field and attract potential employers.

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Design the website layout and choose a user-friendly template.
Create content that showcases your metaverse projects, experience, and insights.
Optimize your website for search engines and make it mobile-responsive.
Promote your website through social media and networking events.

Develop a metaverse experience for a specific domain or industry

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Showcase your creativity and technical skills by designing and implementing a practical metaverse application.

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Identify a specific domain or industry to focus on, such as healthcare, education, or gaming.
Conduct user research and define the target audience for your experience.
Design and develop the metaverse experience using appropriate platforms and technologies.
Deploy and test your experience, making necessary adjustments based on user feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete What is the Metaverse? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Designer

Game Designers are responsible for designing the gameplay, levels, and characters for video games. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to create engaging and fun games. You'll learn about the different aspects of game design, including level design, character design, and game mechanics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Technical Artist

Technical Artists are responsible for creating digital assets for use in video games, movies, and other interactive media. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to create these assets, including modeling, texturing, and animation. You'll also learn about the different software and tools used in the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for designing the user interface and experience for websites, apps, and other digital products. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to create user-friendly and engaging experiences. You'll learn about the different aspects of UX design, including user research, prototyping, and testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing and developing websites. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Web Developer. You'll learn about the different aspects of web development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and web design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers are responsible for designing and developing mobile apps. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Mobile Developer. You'll learn about the different aspects of mobile development, including iOS development, Android development, and cross-platform development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Product Manager. You'll learn about the different aspects of product management, including market research, product planning, and product launch.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Marketing Manager. You'll learn about the different aspects of marketing, including market research, advertising, and public relations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Software Engineer. You'll learn about the different aspects of software development, including programming, data structures, and algorithms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are responsible for writing and maintaining computer programs. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Computer Programmer. You'll learn about the different aspects of computer programming, including programming languages, data structures, and algorithms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Systems Analyst. You'll learn about the different aspects of systems analysis, including systems design, systems implementation, and systems maintenance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to solve business problems. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Scientist. You'll learn about the different aspects of data science, including data mining, machine learning, and statistical modeling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading sales teams and generating revenue for their companies. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Sales Manager. You'll learn about the different aspects of sales management, including sales strategy, team leadership, and customer relationship management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Database Administrator. You'll learn about the different aspects of database administration, including database design, database security, and database performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Business Analyst. You'll learn about the different aspects of business analysis, including process mapping, data analysis, and solution design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course from Meta can help you develop the skills you need to become a Project Manager. You'll learn about the different aspects of project management, including project planning, risk management, and stakeholder management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

What is the Metaverse?

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Foundational overview of the metaverse

Activities

Career center

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