1st Session: Welcome and Introduction

In the first session, students and teachers introduce themselves. The main aim here is to clarify mutual expectations. Teachers present the course concept while students can be given the opportunity to make suggestions for adapting the syllabus (e.g. other thematic focuses, adapting the formats for coursework or exams, etc.).

Expectations regarding learning goals and workload should also be clarified. Especially the combination of conceptual, exploratory and practical work requires clear communication regarding the workload and the need for organisation. It should also be emphasised that students need to arrange the technical setup for the class early on and need to make sure they have the suitable equipment and ability to set up the required software (or, alternatively, the teachers make sure there are suitable computer rooms and tutor support available for these matters).

The topic of the class could also be introduced in a general manner. Since the metaverse is a shifiting object there may be more timely materials to suitably introduce students to the topic and what is at stake. Two potential and contrasting starting points could be:

Ball M (2022) The Metaverse Will Reshape Our Lives. Let’s Make Sure It’s for the Better. Time, 9 September. Available at: https://time.com/6197849/metaverse-future-matthew-ball/ (accessed 17 October 2022).