Portland State's First Metaverse Class

Did you know that Portland State University became one of the few schools to host an entire class inside the Metaverse? Introducing BTA 510, an introductory course to the Metaverse that is taught by Professor Skye Lininger. This new course is “strictly a visual experience," as students attend sessions through the use of an oculus headset, controllers, and with avatars that each student creates for themselves. This course introduces Metaverse through the lens of popular culture, engineering, behavioral science, and communication with readings, videos, virtual field trips, and guest speakers. 

During a recent feature on KGW8, Professor Lininger says he is trying to teach his students to become aware of the speed at which technology is developing. “The Metaverse,” for example, is experiencing explosive growth and it has been estimated that half of the companies on the S&P 500 list will be replaced within the decade by new tech companies. 

“What we’re trying to teach students here…is that you don’t need to be just thinking about what’s coming next. You need to think about what’s coming after what's coming next,” states Professor Skye Lininger.