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View profile for Misty Wilson, Ed.D., graphic

Chief Learning Officer @ Immerse

When we think about the power of #VR in #education, it’s easy to get caught up in recreating real-world spaces — building #digitaltwins of classrooms, offices, or even whole universities. While these environments can feel familiar and grounding, they only scratch the surface of what VR is capable of. What I wish more people understood: VR isn’t just a tool for replication — it’s a tool for transformation. If we limit VR to mimicking real life, we miss out on its most powerful potential: creating contextually relevant learning experiences that go beyond what’s possible in traditional classroom settings. Why does learning in contextually relevant scenes matter? 💡It activates deeper engagement: Context isn’t just about the visuals — it’s about creating scenarios where learners actively use the language or skills they’re learning. Instead of just “being in” a coffee shop, imagine negotiating a deal in a bustling market or solving a crisis in a futuristic control room. These scenarios are engaging because they immerse learners in purpose-driven tasks that feel meaningful and exciting. At IMMERSE, for example, we’ve created scenarios where language learners collaborate to prepare for a business meeting in a skyscraper or practice socializing in a bowling alley, helping them feel the relevance of their learning. 💡It builds confidence for real-world application: Practicing in a high-stakes but simulated environment prepares learners for success in the real world. Whether it’s delivering a business pitch or navigating social situations, VR gives them the chance to practice in a risk-free space that builds real confidence. For example, one IMMERSE learner shared how practicing ordering at a restaurant in VR gave them the courage to order in Spanish on a recent vacation to Spain. 💡It unlocks the impossible: VR gives us the ability to break the laws of physics, time, and geography. Want to practice French while exploring the markets of 19th-century Paris? Or learn teamwork by solving puzzles on a spaceship? Contextually relevant doesn’t have to mean realistic — it means creating the right environment for the task at hand. One of my favorite examples from IMMERSE is a language class set in a virtual deserted island, where learners collaborate to use the resources on the island to sustain themselves, sparking curiosity and creativity. At IMMERSE, we don’t just replicate the real world — we redefine it. We design VR spaces that are carefully tailored to immerse learners in meaningful, relevant contexts where they can thrive. By combining innovative design with purposeful scenarios, we create experiences that resonate deeply with learners and inspire real-world success. Because when learners feel connected to the environment, the task, and the purpose, that’s when the magic happens. Let’s push the boundaries of what VR can do for education. Replication is just the beginning — transformation is the goal. 💥 #edtech

  • IMMERSE Bowling Alley Scene
Peter Rogan

Director of Learning Design | People Leader | Design Innovation | Generative AI Integration | Ex-Sophia | Ex-Edmentum | Author

1mo

Misty - this is a great reflection on the power of the experiences you can deliver via Immerse. I particularly zeroed in on the idea of confidence that learners can build in these scenarios. Confidence is such a key to meaningful learning - at some level, it's what we are all aiming for anytime we turn to learning - to be able to engage confidently in a situation or scenario in our lives that is important to us. But, it feels super important in terms of the field of language learning, where people have goals around operating with confidence within a new culture, and where limited knowledge of a language can leave people feeling left out. Oh, and also, the example context of a class on a deserted island reminds me of an activity I used as a young EFL teacher - an idea from a book of language games. To hear you mention the 2024 version of it in VR via Immerse - I'm so intrigued!!

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