Immersion, Imagination and Interaction: VWEC in OpenSimulator Grids
Come learn about the expanding network of teachers and learners using the OpenSimulator Grids to build immersive learning experiences and embrace evolving technology trends including 3D building tools, scripting, and best practices of AI. Through VWEC (Virtual Worlds Education Consortium) ambassadors help highlight the projects across the ‘hypergrid worlds’ through a network of individuals (avatars), learning communities in simulated places, and high quality 3D immersive builds for education.
Speakers
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Valerie Hill / Valibrarian Gregg (Poster Booth #9)Dr. Valerie Hill is a library and information science educator with a research focus on the intersection of information literacy and global digital participatory culture. She has taught at all age levels, served as a school librarian, and is a National Writing Project trainer. She is a co-coordinator of the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium and Director of the Community Virtual Library.
https://valibrarian.net/
https://linktr.ee/Valibrarian
https://about.me/valibrarian
https://www.metaverselibraries.org/
https://communityvirtuallibrary.org/ -
Becky Adams / Elli Pinion (Poster booth #9)Becky Adams, PhD, served as the Director for Online Course Development at the University of New Mexico and is co-coordinator of the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium. She is passionate about best practices of using technology for learning and is an early adopter of teaching in the metaverse.
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Bruce Gross / Cooper Swizzle (Poster Booth #9)Bruce Gross (Cooper Swizzle), based in the San Francisco Bay Area, transitioned from the beauty industry to HR, where he applied his creative skills to develop instructional materials and later worked as a recruiter and HR generalist. As a corporate trainer, Bruce introduced 3D virtual environments to replace traditional webinars, making sessions more engaging and interactive. His innovative Proof of Concept transformed in-person, week-long trainings into a six-week virtual course, boosting retention and cutting costs. This incremental model allowed real-world application of skills and expanded access to leadership development. For over 14 years, Bruce has championed immersive learning to enhance professional growth.
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Shannon Broden / Kreatya Shannon (Poster Booths #5 & #9)Shannon Broden (Kreatya Shannon) received an Master of Library Science and Information from San Jose State University in December 2024, focusing on emerging technology and archival concepts. She currently serves on the board for Metaverse Libraries (with emphasis on Community Virtual Library and Virtual Worlds Education Consortium and New Media Arts, Inc. (where she participates with Avatar Repertory Theater and assists with the Arcadia Asylum Asset Archive). Her professional memberships include the Society of American Archivists and the American Library Association.
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Virginia Dickenson / Xenon Darrow (Poster Booth #15)Virginia Dickenson / Xenon Darrow specializes in developing cutting edge digital technology for learning. Xenon has over 35 years of design and development experience from working with major oil and chemical companies, universities, healthcare, and the hospitality industry as a consultant and instructional designer. Her expertise includes working with Universities and Colleges as a consultant, professor, and instructional designer for more than 17 years. Her work has extended to the hospitality industry for the over 22 years. She currently works as an instructional designer for a prominent school of nursing at a major medical school. She is considered one of the resident experts in gamification and AI applications in learning.
https://opensimworld.com/user/xenondarrow
https://hypemetaverse.com/u/Xenon281
