The New Normal in University Selection: Immersive Online Experience Through VR and AI Technologies

In a world where the dynamics of education are continuously evolving, Real Virtual Inc., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has introduced a groundbreaking solution that reshapes the university selection process for prospective students. By leveraging a combination of metaverse technology and artificial intelligence, the company has developed and launched an innovative 360° simulation for the Faculty of Bioresource Sciences at Nihon University.

This immersive experience addresses a common challenge faced by many applicants: the feeling that all universities appear similar. The 360° simulation allows students to engage deeply with the essence of vital academic fields essential to Japan's growth and experience student life as if it were their own journey. This forward-thinking initiative serves to help students make well-informed decisions about their educational paths, aligning them with their values and aspirations.

The Background of Development

The university admissions landscape is currently undergoing significant transformation driven by two major trends: declining birth rates and digitalization. In the wake of the pandemic, online information dissemination has become the norm. Universities have responded by increasing their investment in video content as a tool to attract applicants. However, a harsh reality has emerged - university-produced videos often get lost among the plethora of entertainment content on platforms like YouTube, failing to capture the interest of potential students as they fade into the background of more popular media.

Even when such videos do achieve views, the content tends to revolve around generic campus tours or mock lectures that do little to differentiate one institution from another. To combat this challenge, short videos initially surged in popularity, garnering hundreds of thousands of views and appearing successful on the surface. Yet, they ultimately convey only superficial impressions of universities, failing to foster a deeper understanding or genuine motivation among students.

This dilemma points to the core issue of modern university selection – students are often forced to make choices without truly connecting their future with the essence of the institutions. Overcoming this structural issue, the development of this immersive experience aimed to provide all applicants with the opportunity to make a “soul-fulfilling choice” regarding their educational paths.

Overview of the Service

Transforming the University Experience: Self-Exploration through Online 360° Open Campus

What Real Virtual offers is not just a traditional video or a generic metaverse space. Instead, it facilitates a self-exploratory online open campus experience tailored to the students’ interests. Traditional open campus events, whether in-person or online, generally follow a “tour format” where everyone participates in prearranged events. In contrast, this online service allows applicants to navigate freely and engage in a personalized experience, reflecting their interests and concerns.

Student Experience

1. Moving Beyond Online Limitations: Personalized Engagement

Why does this online experience generate a level of conviction that surpasses reality? It's because the immersive experience consists of two active engagement steps, rather than a passive viewing of a tour video.

- Step 1: Experiencing the Core of Classes

The journey begins with applicants immersing themselves in 360° representations of real class scenarios. With this setup, students feel as if they are part of the classroom environment, allowing them to grasp the atmosphere and enthusiasm of learning interactively.