An event exploring the potential of augmented and virtual reality is to take place on Wednesday, May 14th, at the Athlone Campus of Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
This inaugural symposium is titled ‘Shaping the Future of Immersive Technologies in Education and Training’.
Sponsored by ReShape, this one-day, in-person event aims to bring together educators, researchers, industry partners and learners to explore the transformative potential of extended reality (XR) applications in education and training.
As immersive experiences in augmented and virtual reality become increasingly accessible, the symposium will provide a platform for participants to share experiences, strengthen existing networks and forge new partnerships to advance the XR education and training sector in Ireland.
Frances O’Connell, Vice-President of Student Education and Experience, TUS, said: “This event provides a unique opportunity to share ideas, to be exposed to new digital innovations supporting our various learning environments across academic disciplines, and to share new pedagogical practices amongst practitioners.
“It also allows us amongst peers to genuinely question the cost/benefits, relevance and changes new digital technologies add to the student experience.
“Enabling our students to experience new technologies in their learning journey is also key as we prepare our student for graduate employments that will embed such technologies. “
Dr Geraldine McDermott, from the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (CPID) at TUS, said: “Our aim for the symposium is to bring together researchers, learner practitioners, students, and industry partners to explore the current and future potential of extended reality (XR) applications within an education and training context”.
The keynote speaker will be Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Department of the Staffordshire University Games Institute, who added: “As immersive technologies rapidly evolve, it’s critical that researchers, educators, developers, and industry leaders have space to align their thinking and share best practices.
“Tools are developing faster than practice can reasonably adapt to, so events like this don’t just showcase what’s possible; they must help shape what comes next.”
For more information on the event please go to https://tus.ie/cpid/events/