#Japan #Tokyo #Waseda University #VLEAP #Metaverse System

A New Frontier in Legal Education

In an innovative approach to education, Waseda University's School of Law has embraced a metaverse system to facilitate a unique learning experience in their donation course, "Law and the Metaverse." In collaboration with MS&AD Insurance Group's Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., under the guidance of Professor Hajime Hidzuka, students are utilizing Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Displays (VRHMD) to immerse themselves in a legal learning environment unlike any other.

During our interview with Professor Hidzuka, he highlighted the importance of experiential learning in understanding legal frameworks within the metaverse. He expressed that students have yet to engage deeply in discussions about rule formation in these novel spaces, emphasizing a hands-on understanding of how laws should evolve in virtual settings. By using VRHMDs, students can interact with a 3D environment that proposes unique legal challenges and regulatory questions.

The Journey to Implementation

When VLEAP's President, Masakazu Niibo, inquired about the motivation behind integrating a metaverse system, Professor Hidzuka explained how the initial year of their course faced significant hurdles. They had previously utilized another platform that did not support VRHMDs and lacked the required interactive learning features. Recognizing these shortcomings, Waseda University sought VLEAP’s expertise to develop a more effective solution.

"Upon meeting with VLEAP, I felt confident that they could help us create an immersive and experimental classroom experience in the metaverse," Hidzuka recalled. This partnership yielded remarkable results, exceeding their initial expectations.

The Value of the Metaverse System

The introduction of the metaverse system has enabled students to engage in discussions surrounding legal issues that are unique to virtual environments. One particularly impactful exercise involved students embodying various avatars. By experiencing scenarios such as harassment from the perspective of a different gender or utilizing avatars that evoke discomfort, students gained a deeper awareness of legal complexities in this digital space. The classroom discussions thrived as students explored these legal dimensions, enriching their understanding beyond conventional learning.

Niibo echoed this sentiment, noting the stark contrast between communication in the real world and the metaverse. He acknowledged that grasping the nuances of harassment in virtual spaces would be challenging without VRHMDs. Being able to provide students with firsthand experiences significantly enhanced their educational journey.

Future Aspirations

As conversations turned towards future improvements, Professor Hidzuka mentioned specific desires for the classroom environment, such as the inclusion of a time-keeping mechanism during group work. He also expressed interest in incorporating more branding elements from both the university and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance to strengthen institutional identity within the virtual space.

In our discussion, he appreciated the futuristic setting of the classroom, where autonomous vehicles and drones enhanced the learning atmosphere. He noted the successful establishment of a dedicated discussion room for group work, where students could engage with guest speakers and tackle real-world challenges.

Support and Collaboration

Niibo elaborated on VLEAP’s commitment to providing technical support throughout the course. From preparing the VRHMDs to ensuring seamless functionality during class sessions, VLEAP's dedication was evident. "It's rare to find a company that offers such comprehensive support, and we were grateful for their commitment to our goals," Hidzuka shared.

The meticulous planning and execution, from the setup of equipment to the rental logistics, demonstrated VLEAP's dedication to excellence. This collaboration played a crucial role in achieving smooth lesson operations, especially considering that all students were first-time VR users.

Looking Ahead

As the current academic year progresses, the partnership between Waseda University and VLEAP continues with ongoing sessions for "Law and the Metaverse." Professor Hidzuka emphasized the need for continuous evolution, stating, "We will address the challenges identified in our first year and innovate further, venturing into new areas while reflecting on the latest developments in the metaverse."

Niibo reassured that VLEAP would remain committed to supporting the course’s advancements. This initiative highlights the potential of combining law education with cutting-edge technology, paving the way for future developments in how legal principles are taught and understood in evolving spaces.

For more insights about this innovative venture and the latest updates on the course, check out the press releases from Waseda University and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance, which detail the upcoming sessions and experiences.

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For those interested in the cutting-edge capabilities of VLEAP, the company is actively developing a next-generation web service that integrates 3D models into online platforms, showcasing their commitment to evolving digital experiences.

Company Profile - VLEAP

Name: VLEAP, Inc.
CEO: Masakazu Niibo
Location: 202 Shato Hakko, 4-22-5 Koutoubashi, Sumida Ward Tokyo, 130-0022
Website: VLEAP
Email: [email protected]