Exploring problem-based learning curricula in the metaverse: The hospitality students' perspective

As the metaverse has been introduced into the education sector, higher education institutions have further promoted metaverse platforms for implementing problem-based learning (PBL) to enhance students' competencies. This research explored hospitality students’ experiences of a PBL curriculum using grounded theory to understand the educational effect of PBL in the metaverse. The findings indicated that while participants were fascinated by the fact that the metaverse platform had novel features and functions with the creation of virtual space, they faced difficulties in using it due to linguistic and technical limitations in class. However, the participants actively participated in collaboration with the group members as their willingness to adhere to the lessons grew. Therefore, the core category was derived as “enhancing learning effectiveness through active participation in changing educational environments.” Based on the research results, this study provides theoretical and practical foundations to create innovative and effective PBL educational environments in the field of hospitality education.