Call for Participation:

Immersive and Experiential Learning in Online Environments
EDUCAUSE Symposium – August 2026
August 10, and 12, 2026 at 12:00 noon–3:30 p.m. ET
Online
https://events.educause.edu/symposiums/2026/immersive-and-experiential-learning-in-online-environments

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Immersive and experiential online environments can be transformative spaces for teaching, learning, and student engagement. From virtual and augmented reality to interactive 3D simulations and extended reality (XR) ecosystems, these approaches create powerful opportunities to deepen understanding and enhance student readiness for complex, real-world challenges. These approaches enable students to experience concepts, problems, and environments that are difficult or impossible to access through traditional instruction alone. They offer dynamic avenues for exploration, skills practice, and scenario-based learning that can deepen engagement and support higher-order thinking.

This symposium brings together faculty innovators, instructional designers, and educational technologists to examine how immersive and experiential online environments are being implemented across higher education. Come join your EDUCAUSE community for the virtual Immersive and Experiential Learning in Online Environments Symposium. Insightful presentations, small-group discussions, and activities will be the foundation of this learning experience.

In this symposium, we will:

• Frame the landscape of immersive and experiential learning in higher education, drawing on current trends, research insights, and examples of innovation.
• Highlight design principles and pedagogical best practices that center learner experience, accessibility, and assessment alignment.
• Showcase practical approaches to evaluating impact, integrating immersive practices into curricula, and advancing institutional capacity for sustainable adoption.

SYMPOSIUM HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain Valuable Insights from Engaging Sessions Designed for Practical Application
• Connect with Your Higher Ed Teaching and Learning Community
• Be Inspired to Act with Strategies You Can Apply on Your Campus

EVENT EXPERIENCE

Delivered entirely online, this two-day Symposium offers rich, synchronous engagement opportunities intentionally designed to allow time for reflection between sessions filled with content, inspiration, and connection. The program includes interactive community discussions and emphasizes community-driven content that highlights innovative projects, practical strategies, and impactful achievements from across the higher education community.

EARN THE MICROCREDENTIAL

Each registered participant will complete various activities that apply concepts and strategies introduced in the Symposium that support the learning outcomes. Those who successfully complete required activities will receive an EDUCAUSE digital microcredential recognizing their accomplishment.

SCHEDULE

• Session 1: August 10, 2026 | 12:00 noon–3:30 p.m. ET
• Session 2: August 12, 2026 | 12:00 noon–3:30 p.m. ET

DAY ONE | August 10 Sessions Include:

• KXR Instructional Design Framework in Immersive Learning Environments
• Beyond Quizzes: Designing Experiential Online Learning Simulations
• From Themed Courses to Immersive Learning: Designing Engaging Online Experiences
• Keeping Experience at the Center: Designing Online Experiential Learning for MBA Students
• Embodied Pathways: How Avatar-Based Nonverbal Communication Generates Social Connection in Virtual Reality
• Integrating VR Content into a Career Readiness Badge Series for Undergraduate Student Skills Development
• Immersive Leadership Practice: A VR Simulation for Graduate Online Learners

DAY TWO | August 12 Sessions Include:

• VORTEX: Closing the Competency Gap with Virtual Reality and Data-Driven Insights
• Leveling Up Retention: Deconstructing the Impact of Gamification on High-DFW Gateway Courses
• Click, Choose, Learn: Gamifying Real-World Decision-Making in Nutrition Education
• Beyond Simulation: Digital Twins for Adaptive Online Learning Environments
• Informing the Adoption of Immersive Learning through Agile Experimentation
• Low-Barrier Simulations: Designing Immersive Simulations for Access and Authorship
• Apprenticeship in Action: Building Instructional Design Capacity through Experiential Internships
• Institutional Support of Immersive Learning for Faculty Teaching and Research

REGISTRATION

Symposium Registration Fees:

Event Registration, EDUCAUSE member: $375
Event Registration, nonmember*: $450

Your event registration fee includes access to all program resources and recordings until August 12, 2027.

Payment and Cancellation Policies:

Payment for the full amount of the registration fee is due at the time of registration.
Cancellations received on or before August 3, 2026 are entitled to a full refund; there will be no refunds after this date.

*Discover Membership: EDUCAUSE members receive special pricing on all of our events and more. Find out more about the benefits of membership.

Register here.

MORE INFORMATION

Please visit the event website:
https://events.educause.edu/symposiums/2026/immersive-and-experiential-learning-in-online-environments