What is the metaverse? Definitions, technologies and the community of inquiry

The term metaverse appeared for the first time in a novel published 1992. Since early 2000s, researchers have started to use this refer digital technologies learners interact with other users avatars. came prominence around 2020 due rebranding of Facebook. However, there was no consensus on what kind should belong and how conceptualise term. As such, paper presents an exploratory review conceptualising based 19 articles from Web Science database. This focuses trend, past present conceptualizing term, key identified world. findings identify major types used studies offers sound theoretical foundation terms cognitive, social teacher presence understand future potential these could bring online learning. Five are which map four elements (i.e., immersion, advanced computing, socialisation, decentralisation). At end, model is proposed connect its three presences community inquiry that enhance students’ learning outcomes environment. Implications practice or policy: Educators rethink it has influence education sector. Instructional designers create meaningful experiences through – socialisation decentralisation. Policy-makers educators environment guide their policy practices.