jonathon

Pac-Man, originally called Puck Man in Japan, is a 1980 maze action video game developed and released by Namco for arcades. In North America, the game was released by Midway Manufacturing as part of its licensing agreement with Namco America.

As we stand at the precipice of technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a powerful force reshaping our creative landscapes and ushering in a new era of immersive experiences and innovation renaissance. This talk explores the intersection of AI and the making of immersive worlds that blur the lines between the virtual and real , where human ingenuity converges with intelligent machines. The talk will put a spotlight on the next generation of creators and their involvement in shaping an immersive reality. By harnessing the power of machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, AI empowers artists, designers, and storytellers to craft immersive narratives that captivate audiences like never before. I will share emerging practices and work and discuss the ethical considerations and challenges surrounding the use of AI in creative endeavors, ensuring a responsible and inclusive approach to the future of immersive reality. About the Keynote Presenter: Maya Georgieva is a leading voice in the fields of innovation, immersive storytelling, and frontier technologies. As the Senior Director of the Innovation Center and XR, AI, and Quantum Labs at The New School, she leads a team focused on driving innovation in spatial computing, AI, Quantum Computing, future interfaces, and design. In addition to teaching the signature Immersive Storytelling course at The Parsons School of Design, Maya is a sought-after speaker and has spoken about topics such as the Metaverse, AI, and Quantum at prestigious events such as SXSW and the MIT Media Lab. Her work has been featured in notable publications like The Atlantic and The Economist. Maya has been recognized as one of the 30 Higher Education Influencers to follow in 2022 and is the designer of the first-ever Quantum Computing Design Jam for creatives. She served as the final judge for the MIT Reality Hackathon in 2023 and actively writes and speaks on the topics of digital transformation, immersive storytelling, and the future of learning, creativity, and work. Maya also consults with organizations and startups in this space and serves as a judge and coach for several competitions and accelerator programs. Maya is the co-founder of Digital Bodies, a startup focused on XR and AI and their impact on media and society. She has worked with major tech companies such as IBM, Google, HP, Microsoft, and Meta. Maya has spoken at United Nations, UNESCO and European Commission forums on the ethics of XR and AI and education, policy, and corporate Innovation forums.

This presentation will focus on the use of virtual, mixed and augmented reality (XR) technologies in the field of higher education. XR is a medium that is likely to revolutionize the way students learn and interact with educational content. During the presentation, Rob will discuss the various ways in which XR technologies, predominantly virtual reality (VR), are being utilized at Georgian College, such as for immersive simulations, virtual field trips, and interactive course materials. Rob will share how Georgian has taken a thoughtful and fiscally responsible approach to the exploration and integration or immersive VR and will share many of the challenges along the way. He will present case studies and examples of successful implementation and some of the barriers and failures. About our Featured Speaker: Rob Theriault is the Immersive Technology Manager for Georgian College in Ontario, Canada. Prior to taking this position, Rob was a 35 year veteran paramedic and former Critical Care Flight Paramedic. Rob also taught paramedics for almost as many years. After introducing virtual reality into the paramedic program at Georgian and helping to create a VR hub in the library, Rob was asked to lead the exploration and integration of VR for Georgian’s seven campuses. Since the start of 2020 Georgian has launched over twenty virtual reality pilots in program areas such as Indigenous language learning, Veterinary Technician, Biotech, Paramedic, Nursing, Power Engineering, Events Management, Maritime Ship Navigation and others. In 2022, Rob received the Virtual World Society’s prestigious Nextant Educator Prize which honors those individuals who dedicate their work to enhancing the educational XR experience for others.

The world as we know it is in jeopardy. Rumor has it that the sinister Dr. Roberto Nasir, who mysteriously disappeared six months ago, is back and ready to launch his latest invention, Genesis. Moreover, our expert group of data scientists have just reported that he is looking to hire participants for his final set of trials for this ‘world changing’ machine. Hitcher Encounters has joined hands with iLRN in this race against time and we are looking for the most intellectual, adventure seeking recruits to protect innocent lives and stop this evil scientist. Does this sound like you? Join a global team of high performing individuals to track and bring down one of the most dangerous fugitives of the scientific community. Genesis, Hitcher Encounters’ latest metaverse AR experience, welcomes all adventure-loving immersive tech enthusiasts and novices. NOTE: Participant Players should select ONLY one heat to participate in. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: All iLRN Genesis participants will need the following to fully engage in the game: Internet-connected device with access to a web browser. Must be able to access websites, a shared Google drive folder, and FrameVR A device with WhatsApp installed and available to use Virbela installed

The world as we know it is in jeopardy. Rumor has it that the sinister Dr. Roberto Nasir, who mysteriously disappeared six months ago, is back and ready to launch his latest invention, Genesis. Moreover, our expert group of data scientists have just reported that he is looking to hire participants for his final set of trials for this ‘world changing’ machine. Hitcher Encounters has joined hands with iLRN in this race against time and we are looking for the most intellectual, adventure seeking recruits to protect innocent lives and stop this evil scientist. Does this sound like you? Join a global team of high performing individuals to track and bring down one of the most dangerous fugitives of the scientific community. Genesis, Hitcher Encounters’ latest metaverse AR experience, welcomes all adventure-loving immersive tech enthusiasts and novices. NOTE: Participant Players should select ONLY one heat to participate in. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: All iLRN Genesis participants will need the following to fully engage in the game: Internet-connected device with access to a web browser. Must be able to access websites, a shared Google drive folder, and FrameVR A device with WhatsApp installed and available to use Virbela installed

The world as we know it is in jeopardy. Rumor has it that the sinister Dr. Roberto Nasir, who mysteriously disappeared six months ago, is back and ready to launch his latest invention, Genesis. Moreover, our expert group of data scientists have just reported that he is looking to hire participants for his final set of trials for this ‘world changing’ machine. Hitcher Encounters has joined hands with iLRN in this race against time and we are looking for the most intellectual, adventure seeking recruits to protect innocent lives and stop this evil scientist. Does this sound like you? Join a global team of high performing individuals to track and bring down one of the most dangerous fugitives of the scientific community. Genesis, Hitcher Encounters’ latest metaverse AR experience, welcomes all adventure-loving immersive tech enthusiasts and novices. NOTE: Participant Players should select ONLY one heat to participate in. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: All iLRN Genesis participants will need the following to fully engage in the game: Internet-connected device with access to a web browser. Must be able to access websites, a shared Google drive folder, and FrameVR A device with WhatsApp installed and available to use Virbela installed

The Immersive Learning Research Network (ILRN) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit member association of immersive learning professionals who seeks out, showcases, and innovates on "what works" in Immersive Learning for the public good, together. In this closing keynote for the online conference of iLRN2023, iLRN Chief Executive Officer and Board President Jon/athon Richter will cast the work of over 15 years in light of this moment, this inflection point for XR and for humanity. We have, with our collective capacity in iLRN to co-create the future. See how the iLRN infrastructure has been purposefully created for generative co-design, to amplify our interdisciplinary expertise and build rapidly upon principles of Principled Design and Open Science practices in ways that could help us create a more human, more sustainable, more tranformationally great future. Bio: Dr. Jonathon Richter is co-founder, CEO and President of the Immersive Learning Research Network. He is also Associate Professor of Research at the University of Montana in the Department of Teaching & Learning. He is a futurist, designer, and practitioner of XR and digital experiences and events. Previously, Jon was a Teacher Educator, Instructional Designer and Research Associate creating online courses and materials for students with learning disabilities, and a Department Chair of Digital Design Technologies programs at a tribal college in Montana. He has experience researching and developing from lenses of sociomateriality, design patterns, graphic organizers, and electronic portfolios. His interests in co-creation and Tech4Good initiatives drives him to remain optimistic despite challenges and is chief in his push to help find others to lead in developing the Immersive Learning Research Network.

Location MAIN STAGE Experience the forefront of XR and immersive learning at our virtual showcase! Join Maya Georgieva and Jonathon Richter for an interactive session and virtual tour! Experience the iLRN's State of XR and Immersive Learning Report come to life as we dive into the three research questions: opportunities, barriers, and catalysts, along with the eighteen trends identified by our esteemed expert panel. In this unique session, step into the virtual realm as we explore the research questions of the report. Through this immersive journey, you'll gain valuable insights into the latest trends and findings in XR and immersive learning. Engage in live discussion and Q&A session with experts, educators, and practitioners. Gain insights into implementing XR technologies and harnessing their potential in your own learning initiatives. Be a part of shaping the future of education by experiencing the power of virtual reality and immersive technologies firsthand. Presenter Bio: Maya Georgieva is a leading voice in the fields of innovation, immersive storytelling, and frontier technologies. As the Senior Director of the Innovation Center and XR, AI, and Quantum Labs at The New School, she leads a team focused on driving innovation in spatial computing, AI, Quantum Computing, future interfaces, and design. In addition to teaching the signature Immersive Storytelling course at The Parsons School of Design, Maya is a sought-after speaker and has spoken about topics such as the Metaverse, AI, and Quantum at prestigious events such as SXSW and the MIT Media Lab. Her work has been featured in notable publications like The Atlantic and The Economist. Maya has been recognized as one of the 30 Higher Education Influencers to follow in 2022 and is the designer of the first-ever Quantum Computing Design Jam for creatives. She served as the final judge for the MIT Reality Hackathon in 2023 and actively writes and speaks on the topics of digital transformation, immersive storytelling, and the future of learning, creativity, and work. Maya also consults with organizations and startups in this space and serves as a judge and coach for several competitions and accelerator programs. Maya is the co-founder of Digital Bodies, a startup focused on XR and AI and their impact on media and society. She has worked with major tech companies such as IBM, Google, HP, Microsoft, and Meta. Maya has spoken at United Nations, UNESCO and European Commission forums on the ethics of XR and AI and education, policy, and corporate Innovation forums. Maya is also Board Director of Immersive Futures for the Immersive Learning Research Network and with iLRN CEO Jonathon Richter leads the State of XR & Immersive Learning Report project.

Close out the iLRN2023 Online Conference at the Awards Virtual Watch Party! Did you win an award?!? Come and be showered with virtual glitter and bathed in song and lights! We'll watch highlights of the Awards Show in California and give award winners special moments whenever possible! See the iLRN2023 Awards page on our website for information on awards criteria, jury panels, and more Come play in the virtual waters, watch the fireworks, and set your sights from the iLRN Immersive Futures Lighthouse Beach Stage one more time before heading off into the summer sunset! DIRECTIONS Log into the iLRN Virtual Campus (powered by Virbela) Click the map icon in the upper right corner of the screen Click on location 6, Lighthouse Beach Station

Join us for iLRN's gala event: The Awards Dinner and Masquerade Ball for the Immersive Learning Research Network's 9th annual worldwide conference LIVE in San Luis Obispo, California on the beautiful campus of CalPoly! 2023 Awards in Academic, Practitioners, Immersive Futures, and Network Choice categories will be presented. Information on iLRN2023 Awards categories, criteria, and jury panels may be found <HERE> Formal presentations of awards will be streamed live from the stage at CalPoly and online for the iLRN Awards Watch Party!

Augmented realty is increasingly used as a learning tool in educational settings. There are a wide variety of different AR implementations ranging from simple 3D model viewers to more interactive and dynamic content such as videos and animations. We developed two different types of AR experiences around ocean education: (1) a "tap-to-place" highly-immersive narrated experience that uses the principles of gamification, simulation, role-playing to engage students in scientific concepts around basking sharks and (2) a species learning modules that use realistic and animated 3D representations of marine and freshwater species to teach students about their physiology, morphology and ecology. We conducted a controlled experimental study comparing the impact of each experience on motivation and student engagement. We tested each module in a large, first-year environmental sciences class under remote learning conditions (~200 students). We measured how motivation, engagement, engrossment, and cognitive load differed between the two groups within the context of their attitudes towards science (as assessed by the Modified Attitudes Towards Science instrument). The results of the study and its consequences will be discussed. www.marinexr.ca About the presenters: Dr Paul Mensink is the Director of Graduate Environmental Programs and Teaching Fellow for the Faculty of Science at Western University. Paul’s project, Engagement through Immersion: Immersive Education in Science, focuses on the impact of immersive technologies (e.g., virtual reality, augmented reality, immersive video) on student motivation, engagement, and scientific literacy in undergraduate and graduate courses at Western. Paul’s work has a particular focus on interdisciplinary environmental courses and engaging students with STEM subject matter related to sustainability and climate change education. Dr. Lisa K. Briona is an entrepreneur in the area of gamification. Her research focuses on engaging and retaining students by leveraging game mechanics in K-20 STEM education. She is the recipient of several education and educational technology awards recognizing innovation in technology enhanced teaching. Dr Isha Decoito focuses on two major aspects of STEM education: 1) curriculum, pedagogical perspectives and practices that reflect EDID, and 2) professional development of educators. Dr Decoito's research interests are organized under the following overarching themes: 1) EDID in science/STEM education; 2) digital technologies to improve scientific and technological literacy, given that a current barrier to their wider adoption is the learning curve associated with implementation by both instructors and students; and 3) mentoring and professional development.

The global virtual reality market size, valued at 21.83 billion USD in 2021, is expected to expand with an annual growth rate of 15.0% from 2022 to 2030. Virtual Reality, although massively known for immersive gaming and entertainment, has revolutionized education and training during the last years in many fields. In medicine, VR has been used from the simulated reconstruction of organs to preoperative planning and from teaching anatomy to rehabilitation. XR healthcare resources are enthusiastically accepted from healthcare learners and teachers alike. However, they still are not mainstream into formal academic curricula. The core precept for curricular integration is educational justification. In short, the question is whether the cost of an impressive VR resource will be returned as educational efficacy. Pivotal for positive reply in this question is the correct design of the educational resource for each use case. Is XR appropriate for clinical, manual skills, or decision-making training? Would you choose an exploratory «Human Atlas» for anatomy teaching or an interactive case study? How much «game» do you need in your educational experience? These are all questions that so far have been answered ad-hoc based on intuitive needs of the practitioners. This panel will present the results of the first healthcare practitioners’ worskhop that was co-organized by iLRN and several healthcare institutions to tackle these questions. Based on practitioner’s feedback, a select group of panelists will open the discussion to the audience of the conference for identifying features and practices for optimal XR design for healthcare use cases. About Panagiotis Antoniou: Panagiotis Panagiotis E. Antoniou is a senior research associate and Laboratory Reader in the Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, and a Laboratory Reader in the School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He received a degree in Physics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 1997, a M.Sc. degree in Medical Physics in 2001 from the Democritus University of Thrace and a Ph.D. degree in Medical Physics in 2004 from Democritus University of Thrace. His research interests included Medical Signal processing, Medical Informatics, Educational Technologies and design based research. Currently he is active in the fields of Technology Enhanced Learning (Augmented and Virtual Reality -AR/VR in education and virtual patients), co-creative/ co-design paradigms in experiential educational techniques. He has participated and managed several EU and nationally funded research projects. He has authored more than 80 publications in peer reviewed journals and conferences (h-index:11, i10-index:17, 617 citations), and 5 book chapters in collaborative scientific publications. He is a reviewer in several international journals and member of the organizing committee in several international conferences.