Digital Competencies in Communication and Collaboration: Assessing metaverses in Education 5.0

The digital age has transformed society, impacting education and skills. Digital competencies are crucial for adapting to changes and facilitating interaction in digital work environments, particularly in communication and cooperation. Education 5.0 fosters collaborative learning and interaction by integrating advanced technologies such as the metaverse and immersive environments, which overcome physical barriers. The main goal of this study was to thoroughly examine the impact of Education 5.0 pedagogical approaches and immersive digital environments on the development of digital communication and collaboration skills in higher education. The study used a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with 23 engineering students from a public university in Mexico City. The study produced positive results, with the quantitative data indicating a significant enhancement in communication and collaboration competencies following the educational intervention based on Education 5.0 and immersive environments. The qualitative data revealed that students adapted well to and embraced these environments, increasing motivation and engagement with learning. These findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced technologies into educational programs to prepare students for an increasingly digitalized work environment. Further research with larger samples and at other academic levels is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of these immersive environments.