Virtual reality (VR) technologies are increasingly prevalent in our homes and workplaces. As these technologies become more accessible, education and training are frequently pointed to as a prime use-case. But how to design and deliver them to effectively improve learning remains a challenge.

In this talk, Eileen will discuss her research on learning with VR from high school science classrooms to workforce development programs to highlight what the affordances and limitations of this technology are for learning. The discussion will include what learning goals are well suited to using immersive technology, how to design experiences to accomplish those goals, and what learners need to do before and after putting the headset on to maximize their learning.

Eileen is an assistant professor of Education Innovation and Extended Reality Technologies at the College of Arts, Media and Design at Northeastern University. She researches how people learn in virtual reality environments, with a particular focus on how the design of immersive experiences can better motivate learners through hands-on engagement.