Detailed Schedule

Kickoff for ImmerseCon 

Dr. Misty Wilson (Head of Education and Customer Support at Immerse), Quinn Taber (CEO of Immerse), & Dr. Tricia Thrasher (Research Manager at Immerse)

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A welcome to ImmerseCon and brief overview of the 2024 conference. 

The Future of Language Learning Through the Lens of Mixed Reality 

Prof. Euan Bonner (Technology Researcher and Media Literacy Lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies) 

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Just as smartphones revolutionized the concept of constant internet access, mixed reality (MR) headsets are poised to similarly transform virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. As these headsets become more compact and affordable, they will integrate VR and AR into daily life, offering significant implications for language learning. In the field of language education, ever-present access to virtual worlds via VR and the capability to enhance our daily lives with context-sensitive digital content with AR will alleviate many of the challenges that make learning languages difficult. While these affordances are still just on the horizon, it’s important that we investigate this possible future now. This presentation will explore the transformative impact of daily access to MR technologies in enhancing language acquisition and teaching.

VR, replacing the physical world with a virtual one, has already proven its educational value by placing learners in immersive language learning scenarios. AR complements this by overlaying virtual content onto our real world, enhancing learning with real-time, relevant information and content. Known collectively as MR, these technologies promise immersive language learning in VR and practical application in daily life through AR. This presentation will explore several cutting-edge examples currently under investigation at the Centre for Learning and Teaching Innovation at Kanda University of International Studies in Japan, highlighting the practical implementation of MR in language learning and its potential to transform educational methodologies.

Key highlights of this presentation include the transformative use of MR headsets to integrate distance learners into physical classrooms, thereby fostering more immersive and collaborative learning activities between on and off-campus students. We will also explore the potential of AR to overlay virtual content in learners' environments, enhancing learning with AI-assisted object recognition and augmentation, conversation tracking, and live, individualized assistance. These technologies go beyond mere supplements; they can significantly enhance education by customizing reality, fostering better interactions, and promoting deeper engagement. Attendees will gain insights into the practical applications and implications of MR in language education. Hopefully, they will leave inspired by the future possibilities where digital and physical learning spaces merge, creating a seamless and enriched educational experience.

Virtual Reality in High School Language Classrooms: A Case Study

Dr. Jenny Robins (German Teacher at University High School), Hillary Veitch (ESL Teacher at Rantoul Township High School), & Jessica Briggs (French Teacher at Mahomet-Seymour High School) 

Moderated by Dr. Tricia Thrasher (Research Manager at Immerse)

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In this panel, three high school language educators will provide examples of how they use virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies in their classrooms. Examples will include teaching live lessons through virtual reality, using AI chat bots for conversation practice, and organizing telecollaborative conversation groups in VR . The presenters will also discuss the benefits and challenges of integrating these technologies into high school language curricula and classrooms. 

From Idea to Implementation: Creating Delightful Virtual Reality Learning Experiences

Jacob Furnari (Chief Product Officer at Immerse), Chris Guess (Lead 3D Artist at Immerse), & DK Simmons (Product Manager at Immerse) 

Moderated by Daniel Decker (Director of Community Engagement at Immerse)

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Ever wonder how an idea makes its way into a product? Join this discussion with members from Immerse’s Product Team to learn about the journey an idea takes from start to finish before it gets implemented into the Immerse platform. Specifically, Product team members will share the role subject matter experts and user feedback play in informing the feature sets as well as the steps that are taken to ensure features are needed, delightful, and pedagogically sound. 

A Deep Dive into Immerse: Aligning Curriculum Standards with Virtual Reality Lessons 

Carla Consolini (Curriculum and Assessment Manager at Immerse) & Christina Cavage (Director of Language Programs at Immerse)  

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In this presentation, Immerse's Curriculum and Assessment Manager and Director of Language Programs will provide a demo of the Immerse platform and walk attendees through Immerse's 4 key features: Learn, Connect, Practice, Play. Time will also be devoted to discussing how Immerse's curriculum aligns with CEFR and ACTFL standards and how lessons are designed to harness the unique affordances of VR. 

What Does the Data Show? Insights from Two Research Studies

Dr. Sangmin Michelle Lee (Professor at Kyung Hee University) & Dr. Wakako Kobayashi (Professor at Nihon University) 

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This research panel will include  presentations by two university professors who specialize in studying how VR and AI can benefit learning. The titles and summaries of each talk are presented below:

1. A Report on VR-Enhanced English Learning Using Oculus Quest 2 : This study, which includes the mixed-method research using Immerse Classroom, shed light on the advantages and challenges of using VR-Enhanced tasks in a Japanese private university in Tokyo. Eight undergraduate students voluntarily participated in this study and underwent a pretest and posttest of English communication examination covering vocabulary, expression, listening for main ideas and dictation and attended five VR-Enhanced English sessions in the academic year of 2022.  After each session, the participants submitted the reflection and perceptions of VR English sessions using Oculus Quest 2. Also, they filled out the questionnaires for estimating affective orientations such as Motivation. Self-Confidence, Willingness to Communicate, Anxiety and Attitude in speaking English. The findings suggest that Immerse VR sessions exert a meaningful, positive impact on participants’ overall English proficiency, Motivation, Self-Confidence, and Willingness to Communicate in speaking. The creation and development of context and interaction are the key elements in the technology-supported language learning.

2. My daily life in Immerse: Authentic language learning in immersive VR: The use of Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) technology creates endless opportunities for language learners both inside and outside the traditional classroom. In order to contribute to a deeper understanding of language teaching with iVR, the study explored how university learners of English as a foreign language perceived iVR (Immerse) and the benefits of iVR for language learning, based on qualitative data (screen recordings, post-interviews, reflection papers). Results showed that students perceived the activities in Immerse as motivating, enjoyable and useful for learning English because 1) Immerse placed students in authentic language learning situations (scenes), and 2) they learned the language by using it through interactions with others to solve problems in each scene in Immerse. The results showed that the iVR learning environment had a positive impact on students' engagement in the behavioral, affective and cognitive domains.

Guided Immerse Tour 

If you would like to learn more about Immerse, please check out the demo here.

Founders' Coffee Chat

Quinn Taber (Chief Executive Officer at Immerse), Christian Rowe (Chief Growth Officer at Immerse), & Jacob Furnari (Chief Product Officer at Immerse)

Moderated by Dr. Misty Wilson (Head of Education and Customer Support at Immerse)

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Curious what it's like to create a VR Ed Tech start up?  Join this coffee chat with Immerse's founders to learn about their experiences building the first VR language learning platform. Specifically, they will share what inspired them to create Immerse, the challenges they have faced pioneering immersive language learning in the Metaverse, and key lessons they've learned about navigating and staying competitive in the VR industry. 

The AI Age: Flying Forward into Today

Prof. Brent Warner (Professor at Irvine Valley College) 

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Many teachers were just starting to catch their breath on all the tech they were supposed to figure out over the last few years when a meteorite shot across the educational landscape and blew a crater-sized hole in what we thought we knew: A.I. had landed, and it wasn’t going to leave. Since then, teachers have wondered at its marvels; The ability to instantaneously generate new content is both a dream and a nightmare for most teachers. Many teachers have remained justifiably wary, while some intrepid souls have jumped in headfirst to see what it all means. This talk addresses concerns and explores AI’s role in the language learning classroom. In an optimistic yet grounded presentation, we will delve into practical applications of AI, illustrating how it can empower both educators and learners. From instant feedback through intelligent assessment tools to personalized learning pathways, attendees will gain insights into how AI can revolutionize language education. This keynote also highlights the importance of human-AI collaboration and ethical considerations in AI implementation. Throughout, it addresses concerns and misconceptions while presenting education-friendly and pedagogically sound solutions, equipping teachers with actionable strategies to use in the classroom. “The AI Age” aims to inspire confidence among language educators, ensuring that their classes remain dynamic and engaging as they lead their students in this unexplored territory.

Efficacy Matters: Findings from Two Research Studies 

Dr. Marco Romano (Professor at International University of Rome) & Weijian (Michelle) Yan (Doctoral Student at Purdue University)  

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This research panel will include  presentations by two university experts who specialize in studying how VR and AI can benefit learning. The titles and summaries of each talk are presented below:

1. Educating in the Metaverse: UNINT's Journey through Virtual Reality Challenges: The emergence of metaverse-enabling technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), is reshaping how individuals interact with the world and themselves. The International University of Rome - UNINT has embraced this transformative wave by implementing a pedagogical enhancement program utilizing VR headsets as integrative tools alongside traditional teaching methods. Moreover, a dedicated research team at UNINT focuses on augmented and virtual reality applications for education. This presentation delves into ongoing pedagogical and research initiatives at UNINT, spotlighting our investigations into the learning experience through VR workshops involving high school teachers and students from Italy. By examining the impact on learning, experience, and soft skills, we aim to shed light on the potential of VR in enriching educational practices and fostering a deeper understanding of learning in immersive environments.

2. Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality on Developing EFL Learners’ Speaking Skills in Situated Learning: This mixed-method study explored the impact of VR-enhanced instruction on EFL learners’ speaking skills and their perception of the learning experience of situated learning. 16 first-year undergraduate students at a Chinese public university participated in role-playing speaking exercises through the desktop-based VR application, Immerse. The research employed a pretest and a posttest covering comprehension, pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary. Additionally, participants filled out a presurvey detailing demographic information and a post-survey assessing their overall perception of the learning experience in VR. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted. Quantitative analysis of the test results revealed a significant improvement in learners’ speaking performance with notable enhancements in vocabulary, fluency, and grammar. A thematic analysis of the interview and open-ended responses supported the quantitative findings, emphasizing authentic contexts in the VR environment can help EFL learners enhance knowledge comprehension and retention, engagement and motivation, and knowledge transfer to real life, which can facilitate situated learning.

The Role of Emerging Technologies in Higher Education  

Robyn Brinks Lockwood (Lecturer at Stanford University), Devin Ferreira (English Instructor at UCF Global), & Pamela Vittorio (Associate Teaching Professor at The New School)

Moderated by Christina Cavage (Director of Language Programs at Immerse)

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How can emerging technologies like VR and AI best be used in Higher Education classrooms?  In this moderated panel, language instructors from Stanford, UCF Global, and The New School will share their tips on incorporating technology into their classrooms. Focus will be placed on ensuring that technology is used in a meaningful way that fosters student learning. 

Keeping the Human in an AI-world: The Role of AI at Immerse 

Dr. Misty Wilson (Head of Education and Customer Support at Immerse), Dylan Walch (Lead VR Developer at Immerse), & Xavier Apostol (VR Developer at Immerse)

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What role should AI play in language instruction? This is a question many edtech companies are grappling with and while some have chosen to replace educators and staff with AI solutions, Immerse is committed to keeping humans at the center of education. In this talk, Immerse staff will discuss the role of AI on the Immerse platform as a supplement to live, human-led classes, as well as the many considerations made when designing these solutions.

Teacher Tips: A Q&A Session with Immerse's Guides 

Immerse English, Spanish, and French Program Managers and Guides

Moderated by Miranda Novash (Immersive Learning Specialist at Immerse)

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Learning how to teach with new technologies like VR can be daunting for some teachers. In this session, attendees will hear from teachers who are experienced in teaching language through VR. Teachers will share their favorite teacher tips on how to best take advantage of VR's affordances and mitigate its challenges for language teaching.