VR in Education

Episode 159- Preventing the Shiny New Toy Syndrome in Immersive Technology

Hello everyone, and welcome to another exciting episode of VR in Education, where we explore how virtual reality is transforming teaching and learning around the world.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Tyler Heaton, Research & Industry Liaison at Lethbridge Polytechnic. We’ll be talking about how to avoid the “shiny toy syndrome” when it comes to immersive technologies—ensuring that schools and institutions don’t just chase novelty, but instead focus on meaningful and sustainable integration. You can reach out to Tyler at Tyler.heaton@lethpolytech.ca or check out https://lethpolytech.ca/.

Episode 158-Creating Meaningful Learning Through VR Games with the Makers of Europa Prime

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of VR in Education. Today we’re diving into the world of educational game design in VR with a truly exciting guest. Joining me is Jeff Rayner, Founder and CEO of MXTreality and Drivers of Tomorrow, and one of the creative minds behind Europa Prime.

Europa Prime is a VR game set on one of Jupiter’s moons, where players uncover mysteries, restore systems, and engage in problem solving across a wide range of environments—from microbial labs to hydrothermal vents. It’s a project that blends science, storytelling, and immersive gameplay, offering learners a chance to engage with complex content in a way no textbook ever could.

In our conversation today, we’ll explore what it takes to build a game like Europa Prime, the challenges of balancing learning and fun.

Episode 157- Evolving Empathy: How Body Swaps Is Redefining Soft Skills in VR

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of VR in Education,  where we explore how virtual reality is transforming teaching and learning 

Today we’re reconnecting with someone I first spoke to five years ago — back when his company was just getting started. In 2020, I had the pleasure of interviewing Christophe Mallet, co-founder of Bodyswaps, a pioneering platform using VR to help people practice and improve their soft skills.

At the time, Bodyswaps was at the beginning of its journey, experimenting with modules on active listening, clear communication, and inclusivity — and already pushing us to think differently about how immersive technology could transform learning.

Now, five years later, Bodyswaps has grown, the technology has evolved, and the field of immersive learning has shifted dramatically. In this episode, we’re going to dive into the lessons learnt along the way — the big decisions, the surprises, the challenges, and the future of soft-skills training in an age of AI-driven avatars and adaptive coaching.

Episode 156- Intergenerational Learning in Immersive Environments

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of VR in Education. Today we’re diving into a fascinating topic at the intersection of immersive technology and human connection: how VR, can be used to bring different generations closer together.

Our guest is Beck Stewart, a PhD researcher at the University of South Australia and an affiliate member of the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments. Beck has an interdisciplinary background in digital immersive media and education, and she recently co-authored a scoping review that looked at how immersive environments can support intergenerational engagement.

Today, we’ll unpack what her research found. 

Episode 155- Making Immersive Learning Work: Teamwork, Holograms, and What’s Next

Hello everyone, and welcome to another exciting episode of VR in Education, where we explore how virtual reality is transforming teaching and learning around the world.

Today we’re excited to have Professor Gary Burnett from Loughborough University back to the show. Gary was on the podcast in 2023. Gary’s research spans some of the most exciting—and challenging—frontiers in immersive education. We’ll dive into his work on using VR mazes to transform teamwork and leadership skills, explore his groundbreaking experiments with holographic lectures, and discuss the heavy lifting that’s still needed for widespread adoption of immersive tools in higher education.

Episode 154- Teacher Competency in Virtual Worlds

Hello everyone, and welcome to another exciting episode of VR in Education, where we explore how virtual reality is transforming teaching and learning around the world.

In today’s episode, we’re honoured to welcome Dr. Kim Abel, Head of School at Optima Academy Online—one of the leading institutions pioneering fully immersive education.

We’ll be diving into what it takes to teach effectively in a virtual world, exploring how teacher competencies shift when the classroom is no longer bound by four walls. From managing student engagement and designing immersive lessons to training educators, Kim brings a wealth of insight into the evolving role of the virtual educator.

Episode 153- Healing with Headsets: Vizmoo’s VR Revolution

Hello everyone, and welcome to another exciting episode of VR in Education, where we explore how virtual reality is transforming teaching and learning around the world.

In today’s episode, we’re honored to welcome Michael Stauffer, CEO of Vizmoo, an innovative company using VR movement therapy to help neurodiverse individuals grow, heal, and thrive. Michael and his team are behind Groove Catcher Tx, a rhythm-based VR experience that blends music, dance, and visual engagement to support clients with Autism, ADHD, and more. To learn more check out https://www.vizmoo.com/.

Episode 152-Unlocking Potential: VR Education for Africa’s Next Generation

Hello everyone, and welcome to another exciting episode of VR in Education, where we explore how virtual reality is transforming teaching and learning around the world.

In today’s episode, we’re honored to welcome Diana Njeri, Associate Director of the Africa VR Campus and Center, and Paul Waiyaki, CEO of the Africa VR Campus. Their work is a shining example of how purposeful technology can empower youth, especially young women in rural Kenya, to imagine—and build—a future beyond the limitations they’ve inherited.  

From helping students create digital twins of mushroom farms to designing and hosting events in virtual worlds, Diana and Paul are not only teaching tech—they are unlocking potential. But as we’ll hear, their journey hasn’t been easy. 

Today, we dive into what it takes to build an immersive learning ecosystem where none existed before, and how VR Africa is reimagining education—one VR headset, one learner, at a time.

Episode 151- What Really Moves Learning? A 3DOF vs. 6DOF Debate

Hello everyone, and welcome to another exciting episode of VR in Education, where we explore how virtual reality is transforming teaching and learning.

Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. We're diving into a timely and important conversation about the role of 3DOF versus 6DOF headsets in education. It’s a topic that often sparks strong opinions, and we’re thrilled to have someone who brings a fresh, thoughtful, and even contrarian perspective to the table.

Joining me is Dave Dolan, CEO of Sensible VR and a lifelong educator who has been deeply focused on issues of attention, accessibility, and equity in immersive learning. While I’ve long championed the potential of 6DOF for deep engagement and interaction, Dave challenges us to consider whether simplicity, scalability, and practicality,hallmarks of 3DOF,might in fact be better suited for real-world classrooms.

Episode 150- How Virtulane is Rising Above in a Crowded VR Market

Hello everyone, and welcome to another exciting episode of VR in Education, where we explore how virtual reality is transforming teaching and learning.  We’re thrilled to welcome Richard Lane, the founder and visionary behind Virtulane—an innovative immersive learning company based in Australia. Richard brings a unique blend of educational insight, and deep tech expertise to the world of virtual reality. Under his leadership, Virtulane has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in immersive education, not only within Australia’s diverse education systems but also with international partners, including clients in Alberta, Canada. His passion lies in designing meaningful learning experiences that prioritize process over product. Check out https://virtulane.com.au/.