Cluster Survey Confirms 92% of Students Experienced Increased Motivation for Digital Learning After Metaverse Education Program

Cluster, Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa, Tokyo; CEO: Naoto Kato; hereinafter 'Cluster') has released the results of a survey and analysis conducted after implementing its educational program using the 'cluster' platform for 117 middle and high school students across six schools nationwide.

This study aimed to verify how workshops and lessons in the metaverse affect students' interest and inquiry-driven motivation regarding digital learning. The results showed that 92% of participating students responded that their 'inquiry motivation for digital learning had improved.' The experience led to proactive questions and statements such as 'I want to create more things myself' and 'I want to know more about learning through digital tools.'

### Background

Under the 'Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation' (Cabinet decision, December 2023), the Japanese government has set a goal to train 2.3 million digital-savvy professionals by the end of fiscal 2026. The Digital Agency, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) are collaborating to accelerate this effort.

In high school education, MEXT launched the 'High School DX Acceleration Promotion Project (DX High School)' in fiscal 2024, providing subsidies to support inquiry-based learning using ICT. In May 2025, MEXT released discussion materials on 'Realizing High-Quality Inquiry-Based Learning,' emphasizing the urgent need to enhance the quality of such learning so that children can navigate their own lives in an era of rapid AI advancement, 100-year lifespans, and a predicted labor shortage of 11 million by 2040.

### Program and Survey Overview

- **Target:** 117 students (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
- **Format:** Workshop-style (6 schools)
- **Theme:** Satisfaction survey regarding Cluster's metaverse education
- **Period:** 2025–2026 (collected after each implementation)
- **Method:** Online questionnaires via Cluster's designated form

### Key Findings

The survey confirmed that 92% of students reported an increased desire for digital learning, proving the program's contribution to student motivation. Many qualitative comments expressed a desire to 'learn more about metaverse and 3D CG creation,' 'make things,' or 'research further.'

Cluster interprets these results as aligning with MEXT's goals for 'Inquiry-Based Learning,' which aims to cultivate the ability to solve problems and reflect on one's life through cross-disciplinary and comprehensive learning. The spontaneous interest in 3D creation is a direct manifestation of an inquiring attitude, leading to the development of the qualities and abilities outlined in the educational standards.

### Student Voices

- 'I thought it was amazing that you could communicate with so many people in a virtual space. Beyond that, being able to reproduce the space you imagine exactly as you like is a great opportunity to express your individuality.'
- 'Through this class, I realized the metaverse isn't just for entertainment; it has vast potential in education and regional revitalization. I was particularly impressed by how it allows experiences that would be difficult or dangerous in reality.'
- 'I felt like I got a taste of how games I usually play (made with Unity) are created. Seeing various worlds in Cluster made me feel there's so much more I could do.'

### Comment from Cluster, Inc.

'Through this survey, we've seen firsthand how our educational program promotes spontaneous learning, with students wanting to create and explore deeper. We believe the metaverse is more than just a tool—it's a gateway to next-generation learning.'

Cluster, Inc. not only operates 'cluster,' which is used by over 800 educational institutions, but has also conducted over 1,000 cumulative hours of instruction. Based on this expertise, the company offers 'cluster for Education,' a program compatible with the DX High School and N-E.X.T. High School initiatives. Plans include code-free 3D creation materials, practical DX talent development led by active creators, and the 'Cluster Educators Guide' for immediate classroom use.