The World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium 2024 brought together leading figures in immersive technology, each offering unique perspectives on integrating advanced digital tools in education and other professional fields. Held in Tokyo, Japan, from March 25-27, this symposium served as a vital convergence point for discussing the innovative applications and ethical implications of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) across various disciplines.

Hon. Angelo Jimenez, President of the University of the Philippines, set the tone with his keynote address, emphasizing the transformative role of digital technologies in global education. Jimenez’s vision of a digitally connected educational landscape not only proposes a more inclusive access to learning resources but also highlights the potential for digital platforms to bridge cultural and geographical divides effectively.

Following Jimenez, Eric Hawkinson, known for his work as a learning futurist, delved into the nuanced interplay between AR and AI within educational frameworks. Hawkinson’s discussion highlighted the dual-edged nature of these technologies—while they promise to revolutionize learning environments with enhanced interactivity and accessibility, they also pose significant challenges in terms of privacy, ethics, and the risk of dehumanization. His balanced viewpoint underscored the critical need for an integrated approach in the development and deployment of these technologies, ensuring they augment rather than replace the human elements of education.

Dr. Imants Latkovskis from the University of Glasgow presented an enlightening talk at the World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium 2024 titled “Interdisciplinary Virtual Reality Teaching Lab: A Case Study from the University of Glasgow” In his presentation, Dr. Latkovskis traced the university’s journey into XR that began in 2017 with a competition to create VR teaching content. This led to the development of Project Mobius, a VR teaching initiative funded in 2018 that integrates student usage data to enhance VR teaching experiences continually.

Assistant Professor Gabriel Tenaya Kaprielian from California Polytechnic State University explored another dimension of immersive technologies with his focus on climate change adaptation. Through his “Postcards from the Future” presentation, Kaprielian demonstrated how AR and mixed reality could engage public participation in envisioning and planning for sustainable urban futures. This approach not only makes abstract climate scenarios tangible but also fosters a collaborative platform for transdisciplinary dialogue and solution-finding.

Mona Nasser, from the University of Plymouth, further enriched the symposium’s discourse by discussing how immersive experiences could merge scientific research with narrative techniques to tackle complex issues like pandemic management on extraterrestrial colonies. Her work in the Meta Futurism Lab exemplifies the powerful role of storytelling in scientific inquiry and public engagement, offering a method to weave diverse cultural insights into a unified vision of future challenges and opportunities.

These presentations collectively showcased the expansive potential of immersive technologies to not only enhance educational and professional environments but also to foster a deeper understanding and responsiveness to global issues. As we reflect on the insights shared at the symposium, the call for papers and presentations for the 2025 event is now open, promising another enriching exchange of ideas and innovations. Further details about the symposium and opportunities to participate in next year’s event can be found at World Learning Labs.

The next symposium is tentatively scheduled for March 25-27, 2025, in Kyoto, Japan, at the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, with possibilities of other locations. This event will continue to explore the intersection of technology and learning, providing a platform for groundbreaking discussions that drive the future of education in a post-pandemic world.

Bridging Borders with Digital Transformation: A Vision from the University of the Philippines

Hon. Angelo Jimenez – President – University of the Philippines

Hon. Angelo Jimenez delivered a compelling opening address at the World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium 2024, where he reflected on his profound connections with Japan and discussed the critical role of digital transformation in education. As the president of the University of the Philippines, Jimenez detailed his commitment to enhancing digital education platforms, promoting global learning accessibility, and integrating data analytics to improve administrative operations. His insights into leveraging technology for educational advancements underscore the symposium’s focus on bridging cultural and disciplinary gaps through immersive learning technologies.

The Confluence of AR and AI in Education: A Journey Through the Automation Dilemma

Eric Hawkinson – Learning Futurist

In the opening presentations of the World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium 2024, held in Tokyo, Japan, from March 25-27, Eric Hawkinson delivered an insightful talk on the confluence of Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the educational sector. As a co-founder of the symposium and an advocate for innovative learning technologies, Eric set the stage for the event by discussing the evolving landscape of immersive technologies and their impact on education. He highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of AR and AI, stressing the importance of collaboration among educators, technologists, and researchers to navigate this dynamic field. Eric began his presentation by acknowledging the rapid evolution of technology terminology, noting how commercial interests often blur the lines of academic clarity, especially with recent developments in AR, VR, and spatial computing. He emphasized the growing public interest in these technologies, spurred by significant corporate shifts and the introduction of groundbreaking devices. Throughout his talk, Eric balanced the enthusiasm for immersive learning’s potential benefits—such as enhanced empathy and special education techniques—with cautionary notes on privacy, psychological impacts, and the risks of exacerbating negative social media trends. He delved into the automation dilemma, exploring how the fusion of AR and AI could transform data collection and learning processes, potentially automating teaching methods to an unprecedented degree. By showcasing examples like the Reality Labo app and NVIDIA’s innovative use of AR in AI model training, Eric illustrated the synergistic potential of AR and AI to not only enrich educational experiences but also to revolutionize various industries. Yet, he consistently highlighted the need for ethical consideration and responsible implementation to ensure these technologies serve to enhance human learning without compromising individual privacy or autonomy. Eric concluded his presentation by inviting symposium attendees to engage in discussions and collaborations that could shape the future of education in an era of rapid technological advancement. Further details about the symposium and Eric’s work can be found at worldlearninglabs.com and erichawkinson.com, serving as resources for those interested in the intersection of technology and education.

Interdisciplinary Virtual Reality Teaching Lab: A Case Study from the University of Glasgow

Dr. Imants Latkovskis – XR Lab, University of Glasgow

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the project adapted by introducing “VR by proxy,” allowing VR content to be broadcasted on flat screens to circumvent the limitations imposed by the pandemic. This method facilitated the continuation of immersive teaching despite students’ inability to access VR equipment directly.

In October 2021, the University relaunched its face-to-face teaching and redesigned the VR teaching lab. The success of these initiatives led to the establishment of a purpose-built XR research lab, further advancing interdisciplinary VR teaching and research.

Postcards from the Future: Visualizing Climate Change Adaptation Utilizing Augmented and Mixed-Reality as a Platform for Transdisciplinary Collaboration, Public Engagement, and Classroom Education

Asst. Prof. Gabriel Tenaya Kaprielian – California Polytechnic State University

Assistant Professor Gabriel Tenaya Kaprielian delivered an engaging presentation at the World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium 2024, titled “Postcards from the Future.” The talk provided insights into his innovative approach to architecture and urban planning, focusing on climate change adaptation and the use of interactive technologies. Prof. Kaprielian shared his experience from Singapore, where he collaborated with climate scientists to engage the public in addressing climate change impacts on urban landscapes. The workshop incorporated Adobe Arrow for augmented reality experiences, allowing participants to visualize future scenarios directly in their environment.

Throughout the presentation, Prof. Kaprielian emphasized the importance of gamification and interactive platforms in fostering public engagement and discourse on climate adaptation strategies. He illustrated his methodologies with examples from his academic work and public installations that combined historic data, augmented reality, and user interaction to envision future urban adaptations.

Connected Realities through Immersive Experiences

Mona Nasser – University of Plymouth

The presentation titled “Connected Realities through Immersive Experiences” by Mona Nasser, delivered at the World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium 2024, explored the transformative potential of immersive experiences in blending cultures and disciplines to reimagine futures. Mona Nasser, director of Health and Care research and a professor in clinical epidemiology at the University of Plymouth, shared insights from her Meta Futurism Lab. This lab focuses on using scientific methodologies and inclusive approaches to integrate diverse cultural and community perspectives into futuristic narratives. During her talk, Nasser discussed the innovative use of immersive workshops to address complex scenarios such as managing epidemics on Mars, utilizing science fiction as a tool for enhancing participant engagement and creative problem-solving. These workshops not only challenge participants to handle uncertainties but also inspire imaginative solutions that cross cultural and disciplinary boundaries.

To the Future

As we conclude the exhilarating journey of the World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium 2024, we reflect on the profound insights and visionary ideas shared by our distinguished speakers. This symposium has not only showcased the transformative potential of immersive technologies in education and beyond but also highlighted the collaborative spirit required to harness these innovations responsibly and effectively. The presentations from Hon. Angelo Jimenez, Eric Hawkinson, Professor Gabriel Tenaya Kaprielian, and Mona Nasser have provided us with a panoramic view of how augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) can bridge cultural divides, enhance educational methodologies, and address pressing global challenges such as climate change and pandemic response. These talks have underscored the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches and the value of integrating diverse cultural perspectives into technological advancements.

Looking to the future, the WILL initiative is poised to continue playing a crucial role in shaping the landscape of immersive learning. As we move forward, our focus will remain on fostering an inclusive community that not only discusses but also implements solutions that are ethically grounded and educationally transformative. The call for presentations for WILL 2025 is now open, and we invite scholars, practitioners, and innovators from around the globe to contribute their research and projects. This ongoing dialogue will ensure that the WILL initiative remains at the forefront of educational technology, constantly adapting to and reflecting the needs of a rapidly changing world. Let us carry forward the momentum from this symposium to explore new horizons in immersive learning. We are excited to see the developments that the next year will bring and how our collective efforts will continue to shape the future of education and engagement through immersive technologies. Thank you for your vibrant participation, and we look forward to seeing you at WILL 2025 in Kyoto, Japan, for another round of insightful discussions and groundbreaking innovations.

About the Author

Eric Hawkinson
Learning Futurist

erichawkinson.com

Eric is a learning futurist, tinkering with and designing technologies that may better inform the future of teaching and learning. Eric’s projects have included augmented tourism rallies, AR community art exhibitions, mixed reality escape rooms, and other experiments in immersive technology.

Roles
Professor – Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Research Coordinator – MAVR Research Group
Founder – Together Learning
Developer – Reality Labo
Community Leader – Team Teachers
Chair – World Immersive Learning Labs