Abstract
In view of the strong market presence and leverage of major corporations involved in this topic, the most straightforward answer to the questions above is “No”. Nevertheless, multiple perspectives should be considered. Thus, along this article we reflect about the concept of “metaverse”, what parts of it exist today, and what is foreseen that makes this concept a much discussed game changer.

Abstract
The emergence of accessible virtual reality headsets in the past decade multiplied educational uses of immersive virtual reality. Higher education, in particular, has seen many such reports emerge. However, there are scarce frameworks for higher education professionals to plan and deploy immersive virtual reality within their pedagogical practice. To attain a perspective on this field, we conducted a systematic literature review using SCOPUS search, focusing on Instructional Design Models for Immersive Virtual Reality in online Higher Education. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of these models, their respective phases, and distinctive characteristics. The review identified two categories of Instructional Design Models for Immersive Virtual Reality in Higher Education: 1) Models specific to such contexts, with aspects such as managing immersion time or providing prior contact with the immersive environment; 2) Models developed for other contexts and adapted to immersive virtual reality, addressing aspects such as the importance of creating objectives, assessment elements, or defining resource purpose. We conclude that current instructional models used for immersive virtual reality in higher education lack the combination of the overall pedagogical concerns with the specific ones for immersive virtual reality. Thus, we recommend further research to develop instruction models that combine both aspects of learning design concerns.

Abstract
There is evidence that some outdoor events may have contributed to the spread of COVID-19. We updated an empirical methodology based on regression modeling and hypothesis testing to analyze the potential impact of a demonstration that took place in Lisbon, within the scope of the ’Black Lives Matter’ context, on the contagion pattern in the region where this event occurred. We find that in the post-impact period there was no acceleration in the number of cases in the region, unlike in a prior event in the region. The proportion of counties where there was a potential impact of the event is not statistically significant. This result demonstrates that not all outdoor events contributed to the spread of COVID-19 and exemplifies how to apply the selected empirical methodology.

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Abstract
Existe uma ampla variedade de ferramentas e ambientes disponíveis para aplicações de realidade virtual imersiva, passíveis de utilização em contexto educativo. Para proporcionar uma perceção panorâmica das potencialidades disponíveis, este estudo efetuou um levantamento e categorização dessas ferramentas educativas, classificando-as por áreas de aplicação: exploração geográfica, entretenimento, ciência, arte e outras. Recorreu-se metodologicamente ao protocolo de levantamento (scoping review) proposto por Morgado & Beck. Com base neste protocolo efetuaram-se os processos de definição e desenvolvimento das buscas, da seleção e análise de elementos e extração das conclusões. As ferramentas foram também analisadas face à tipologia de usos de ambientes imersivos dos mesmos autores, segundo a qual constatámos que o tipo de ferramentas mais prevalente é o referente a “Manipulação Interativa e Exploração”, seguido pelas de “Interação Multimodal” e “Treino de Competências”. São também comuns as ferramentas de Colaboração. Algumas categorias menos prevalentes, como “Ver o Invisível”, “Envolvimento”, “Simulação do Mundo Físico” e outras, permitem ainda assim ter uma perceção de como se concretizam essas tipologias de usos enquanto experiências de aprendizagem possíveis em ambientes virtuais imersivos.