Averett University will enter the metaverse at the end of this academic year. A digital twin of the university campus will allow parents to feel more connected to their students and offer new opportunities in the classroom.

A digital twin is a virtual version of a physical space in the real world.

The university’s digital twin would allow users to explore the campus without actually being there. Parents can see what their children’s path to class is like, for example.

“We have students from 36 states and 26 countries right now,” said Tiffany Franks, president of the university. “Families could immerse themselves in what their student is doing… you can’t help but get really excited about it.”

Franks said he’s already heard from…