SWOT Analysis of Metaverse Integration in Engineering Education: Case Study – Faculty of Engineering and Technologies at Trakia University, Bulgaria
摘要
This study examines the integration of immersive technologies, including Metaverse platforms and Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) systems, into engineering education. It presents a mixed-methods study that assesses institutional and pedagogical readiness for adopting such innovations. Data were collected through pre- and post-seminar surveys, thematic focus group discussions, and qualitative documentation, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of stakeholder perceptions. The findings highlight high levels of student motivation and conceptual engagement, coupled with growing faculty interest in leveraging immersive tools to enhance teaching practices. At the same time, challenges such as the need for structured faculty training, the absence of standardized approaches for designing learning materials and assessing effectiveness, and infrastructure maintenance requirements were identified as critical factors influencing adoption. The study applies a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to map key drivers and barriers, offering strategic insights for institutions seeking to align immersive technologies with educational goals. Strengths and opportunities underscore the potential of these tools to transform learning through enhanced interactivity and global collaboration, while weaknesses and threats emphasize the importance of inclusive planning and sustainable investment. This research contributes a replicable framework for evaluating digital transformation in higher education and provides actionable recommendations for integrating immersive technologies into engineering curricula in a meaningful and scalable way.