Exploring the Effect of Youth Cultural Heritage Education Using the Metaverse Platform: A Case Study of “Pingyao Ancient City”

This study aimed to investigate the impact of employing a metaverse platform in youth cultural heritage education, with a specific focus on UNESCO’s cultural heritage site, “Pingyao Ancient City.” We utilized the ZEPETO metaverse platform to create educational materials, and conducted experiments involving 90 young students. The experiment was divided into three groups: PPT-based education, video-based education, and metaverse-based education. Each group received instruction about Pingyao Ancient City using distinct educational methodologies. Knowledge quizzes and questionnaire surveys were administered to evaluate five variables: learning motivation, effectiveness & convenience, learning immersion, learning achievement, and learning satisfaction. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, and group differences were confirmed through one-way ANOVA. The results of the study demonstrated that the metaverse-based educational approach yielded positive effects regarding learning motivation, learning immersion, learning achievement, and learning satisfaction. This approach provides an innovative method for cultural heritage education for young individuals.