MetaFramEdu: A Competency Framework for the Metaverse in Education

The emergence of virtual worlds in the Metaverse introduces new possibilities-and demands-for educators designing learner-centered digital experiences.However, a structured framework covering the pedagogical, technological, social and ethical competencies necessary for the educational use of the Metaverse is lacking.This study presents MetaFramEdu, a multidimensional competency framework developed to support educators and educational institutions in the effective and responsible integration of virtual worlds into educational practice.Based on existing digital competency frameworks and recent research in immersive learning, MetaFramEdu defines core and specialized competency areas such as: (1) Virtual Environment Design, (2) Pedagogical Implementation, (3) Technological Dimension, (4) Digital-Social Management, (5) Ethics, Safety and Inclusion, etc.For each domain, performance indicators and proficiency levels are proposed.This paper outlines the theoretical underpinnings, development methodology, framework structure, and implications for teacher education and professional development.