TRANSFORMING FACULTY DEVELOPMENT FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY EXCELLENCE: GLOBAL MODELS AND METAVERSE FRONTIER

Abstract

This chapter critically examines the global evolution of Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) designed to cultivate multidisciplinary competence, a core imperative under India’s NEP 2020. It analyzes prevailing FDP frameworks across diverse geographies (e.g., U.S. liberal arts models, EU Erasmus+ collaborations, Singaporean innovation hubs), identifying persistent challenges such as disciplinary silos, pedagogical rigidity, and scalability limitations. The chapter then explores the transformative potential of emerging technologies, particularly metaverse-based platforms (VR/AR, persistent virtual campuses, digital twins), in redefining faculty training. These technologies enable immersive simulations of interdisciplinary teaching scenarios, foster global collaborative networks, and offer personalized, experiential learning pathways. Synthesizing global best practices with technological innovations, the chapter proposes a future-ready "Competence-Community-Curriculum" (3C) framework for FDPs. This model emphasizes co-creation of knowledge, micro-credentialing for multidisciplinary skills, and ethical tech integration. The discussion underscores the urgency of strategic investment in technologically augmented FDPs to realize NEP 2020’s vision of holistic, interconnected education.