Storytelling, narrative thinking and metaverse

The volume Storytelling, Narrative Thinking and Metaverse in the Smart Education Ecosystem explores the evolving role of storytelling in education, focusing on how it can be enhanced through advanced technologies like the metaverse. In the 21st century, educational paradigms are being reshaped by technological innovations, neuroscience, and pedagogical reflections. Storytelling, traditionally a static and verbal form, has now become dynamic and multimedia, enriched by digital technologies. Immersive virtual environments, such as the metaverse, amplify the educational power of storytelling, offering new interactive and personalized learning experiences. This book delves into how storytelling, combined with narrative thinking, can help construct a "smart educational ecosystem"—a digitally enhanced learning environment designed to foster deeper engagement and understanding. Within this ecosystem, narrative thinking becomes a critical cognitive tool, enabling students to link personal experiences with theoretical content, thus promoting critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. The metaverse, as an immersive and interactive digital environment, transforms traditional storytelling into a participatory experience. Instead of being passive recipients, learners engage with narratives, influencing plot developments and interacting with virtual environments in real-time. This shift fosters active engagement, better comprehension, emotional connection, and deeper learning. The integration of such technologies invites a rethinking of educational roles and methods, emphasizing the need for teachers to act as facilitators of learning rather than mere transmitters of knowledge. The volume also addresses the broader implications of these technologies, such as inclusivity and accessibility, enabling personalized learning experiences that cater to diverse needs. However, it also acknowledges challenges, such as the digital divide, high costs of immersive technologies, and the need for teacher training in digital storytelling. Overall, the volume presents an integrated vision of how storytelling, narrative thinking, and the metaverse can contribute to the development of a smarter, more inclusive, and effective educational ecosystem. It invites a critical reflection on the pedagogical, social, and ethical impacts of these emerging technologies, aiming to prepare students to navigate the complexities of the digital world with creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.