From cutting-edge research to innovative teaching, there is a lot happening on campus around XR and the XR Collaborative.

Immersive Learning Institute Pre-Application Workshops

Ready to explore immersive learning?

This Inspiration Series is designed for instructors who want to use AR, VR, or 360-photography and video in their courses but don’t know where to start. This series supports participants in developing a project proposal for creating an immersive learning activity within a course.

The outcome will be a grant-ready project idea and a proposal that may be used to apply for the Immersive Learning Institute (ILI) (June 1-5). Although attendees aren’t required to apply for the ILI, the Institute will give instructors a stipend, plus the tools and support they need to turn their proposals into reality.

Save the Dates 

February 27 | Immersive Learning Institute Inspiration Series
Location: Integrated Learning Center, Room 112

This first inspiration series workshop is meant to give a taste of what is possible. It includes two 90-minute segments, each with three 30-minute sessions.

10am – 11:30am Digital Twining Methods for Educators

11:30am – 1pm Immersive Narratives for the Classroom

March 27 | Immersive Learning Institute: 3D Objects and Scanning
Location: Catalyst Studios, Main Library
Capacity: Enrollment is limited to 20 participants

10am – 1pm Hands-on Workshop
Participants will engage in a hands-on workshop exploring 3D object libraries, scanning technologies, and XR platform access and use, including the Artec Leo scanner, Curio XR, and the photogrammetry station.

Register for 3D Objects and Scanning

April 10 | Immersive Learning Institute: 3D Immersive 360
Location: Catalyst Studios, Main Library
Capacity: Enrollment is limited to 20 participants

10am – 1pm Hands-on Workshop
Participants will engage in a hands-on workshop focusing on Immersive 3D platforms and technology (ThingLink, Volumetric Scanning, 360 Video).

Register for 3D Immersive 360 

Who should attend? Anyone interested in projects centered on immersive learning or teaching practice using AR, VR, or 360 video/photography. Participation does not require an ILI application, but these sessions will help refine ILI project goals, strengthen your pedagogical approach, and assess technical feasibility—all leading to a polished immersive learning proposal.

Immersive Learning Institute

Ready to bring your teaching to life with XR technology?

The Immersive Learning Institute (ILI) helps instructors and researchers create engaging experiences for students using AR, VR, or 360 video/photography.

This institute is for everyone, but it is especially geared toward newcomers with little to no experience who want to explore the possibility of using immersive learning in their courses.

What you'll get:

• A stipend for your participation
• Expert-led workshops
• Hands-on guidance with XR tools
• Access to technology and resources

Details

How it works: Submit your immersive learning idea, and the peer-review panel will evaluate it based on feasibility, student impact, and potential to enrich our campus XR community. We are not seeking fully formed expert proposals, but rather ideas that you may be considering but are not sure how to bring to life. If your idea is accepted, you will be invited to attend the ILI in June 2026 where we help you turn your vision into reality. 

June 1-5, 2026

10:00 am – 1:00 pm Hands-on Workshop
Participants will engage in a hands-on workshop focusing on Immersive 3D platforms and technology (ThingLink, Volumetric Scanning, 360 Video).

2:00 – 4:00 pm Optional Independent Work
An optional afternoon session provides dedicated project work time, with knowledge experts available for consultation and support.

By the end of the ILI, you will be able to:

• Describe a pedagogical challenge or opportunity  appropriate for experimentation with XR
• Confidently use XR technologies, like MetaQuest headsets, ThingLink, and 360 cameras, with sufficient comfort to bring them into your classroom
• Explain the anticipated impact of XR on student learning and/or the work of teaching

Stipend Eligibility

To be eligible for the stipend, you cannot be

• A non-exempt employee
• A limited term adjunct
• A UA employee with a combined or total FTE <.50
• Compensated through a sponsored account
• On a contract that ends before June 1, 2026, without possibility of renewal

If you are ineligible for the stipend, your application will still be considered with equal enthusiasm.

We'll help you turn your vision into reality. Join a community of innovators exploring new ways to engage students and advance teaching practice.

Apply for Immersive Learning Institute