Immersive Learning
Program Overview
With the expansion of infrastructures and advanced digital learning technologies, there is an ongoing evolution to support greater personalized learning experiences within technology-enhanced learning environments in K-12, higher education, and in the workplace learning. With the advances in immersive technologies, educators need to design robust learning experiences within augmented, mixed and virtual reality environments. Immersive learning provides the opportunity for students to transcend physical barriers and to experience learning that may not be possible within the traditional classroom. Within this certificate, students will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of and experience in immersive learning, as well as to engage in designing, developing, and assessing immersive learning environments.
Program Details
Goals:
- To explore various forms of immersive learning environments that can be integrated into K-12, higher education and workplace learning environments (e.g., augmented, mixed- and virtual reality).
- To design and develop an immersive learning environment or unit of study that integrates immersive technology for K-12, higher education or workplace learning environments.
- To assess learning within immersive learning environments designed and/or used by students in the certificate.
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To assess learning within immersive learning environments designed and/or used by students in the certificate.
Educators have a greater selection of technology to integrate in their teaching and learning with the evolution of digital and immersive technologies. With the advancements in immersive technologies, students are able to engage in augmented and virtual learning environment at the desktop and are not required to be in a virtual reality lab. With more emphasis on experiential learning, the affordances of immersive technologies can provide various opportunities for students to experience learning that may not otherwise occur in the classroom. It may assist in competency development such as cognitive flexibility, problem solving, creative thinking, etc.
Reviewing the trends in technology literature, immersive learning is a growing area. With the evolution of digital technologies, we are observing virtual reality moving onto our desktops, as opposed to fixed lab environments. Through these learning environments, students have greater opportunity to experience learning.
A registration package will be sent to new students after they have been admitted. Registration for the summer term will be available in late winter. Fall and Winter registration opens in the spring. Your Graduate Program Administrator will send more information about registration to you.
Fee details are available through the University Calendar. An explanation of fees is available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies' website.
The University of Calgary offers multiple ways to meet the cost of your education. Please refer to the Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries page to learn more about options available to students. For additional information, please contact Student Financial Support.
A written statement of intent (suggested length: 300 words) indicating the applicant's reasons for pursuing a graduate program in Graduate Programs in Education. The statement should address the following:
- Please identify your reasons for applying to this graduate program.
- Please outline the particular topics or questions that you plan to pursue in your specialization.
- In what way is this program related to your desired career path or employment objectives?
Two references are required for students applying to the Graduate Certificate (Step 1). References will be asked to complete an online reference form. No hard copy documents will be accepted.
- Graduate Diploma (Step 2) applicants are not required to submit references.
- Master of Education - Educational Research Topic (Step 3) applicants are not required to submit references.
Applicants to the Master of Education - Educational Research Topic (Step 3): the minimum admission requirements for the final step of the MEd Interdisciplinary degree program also include completion of steps 1 and 2, the Graduate Certificate AND the Graduate Diploma in Education.
Relevant Prior Learning Considerations:
In exceptional circumstances, individuals who do not meet formal academic requirements but who have significant life achievements may be considered for admission to the program. The candidates must provide the relevant graduate program with evidence demonstrating a potential to undertake successfully the proposed program of studies.
Such candidates are advised to make early contact with Graduate Programs in Education, and supply additional supporting documents as part of their application package, such as:
a) Evidence of personal continuing education/training.
b) Results in these continuing education efforts.
c) Experience in a field related to the aspired degree.
d) Evidence of successful management of people, resources, finances, situations.
e) Increasing or varying responsible positions in organizations related to the aspired degree.
f) Work-related products, e.g. reports, programs of learning or training, handbooks, videos, manuals, workshops, seminars.
g) Evidence of personal growth in knowledge, understanding, management skills, and intellectual resources.
h) Evidence of innovation.
i) Evidence of leadership, coordination.
Admission to all graduate programs is highly competitive due to limited enrollment capacities. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
All graduate programs are governed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In the case of any conflict, regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar take precedence over material on this website. Please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for University of Calgary graduate admission requirements.
Offers of admission are valid only for the term to which applications are made. Graduate Programs in Education will not grant deferrals of admission. Students unable to take up an offer will be required to submit a new application.
Program Schedule & Course Descriptions
- Program begins each July (summer term 1)
- Outlines are normally available 1-2 weeks prior to the start of term in D2L
- 3 units per course
Term 1 - Summer
Introduction to Immersive Learning (On campus)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to immersive learning in K-12, higher education, and workplace learning environments. Students will examine various types of technologies being used for immersive learning experiences. They will explore current trends of immersive learning and the impact it is having on student learning. Further, the following topics will be addressed: accessibility, inclusion, equity, humanity, safety, privacy, sustainability, and wellness. Students will be introduced to designing for emergent learning and issues in immersive learning.
Registration info:
EDER 6XX
Term 1 - Summer
Immersive Learning Technologies (On campus)
In this course, students will explore various immersive learning environments and types of technologies. As part of this exploration, students will explore generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for co-creating images, videos, audio, 3D models, etc. that can be used in immersive learning. Students will engage with and experience multiple immersive learning environments and examine how they are being used within various contexts and disciplinary areas. Further, students will examine learning design principles for the students’ creation of an immersive learning environment.
Registration info:
EDER 6XX
Term 2 - Fall
Developing Immersive Learning (Online)
Drawing on the design plan from the Immersive Learning Technologies course (EDER 6XX), students will develop an immersive learning environment focused on a topic within their field and using a particular technological platform (e.g., augment reality, virtual reality, simulation) or design a unit of study that integrates a selected immersive technology. An iterative design process of integrated feedback loops will be used to help inform the development. Students will journal the development process and provide critical reflection and peer feedback.
Registration info:
EDER 6XX
Term 3 - Winter
Evaluating Immersive Learning (Online)
The focus of this course is on the assessment, evaluation, and advancement of effective immersive learning. Assessment criteria will be developed and applied in assessing the immersive learning environments created and/or used in the EDER 6XX: Immersive Learning Environment Development course. Peer feedback from colleagues will then be reviewed to inform changes to the immersive learning environment or unit of study that integrates the selected immersive technology.
Registration info:
EDER 6XX
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