IMMERSE

In my last post, I shared some concerns about how a growing reliance on #AI in education might lead to more isolated learning experiences. It’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about, especially with the rise of solo VR educational experiences. While these tools are powerful for tailoring education to individual learners, they sometimes leave out an essential piece: real-time collaboration and connection with others. So, here’s the question: what happens when learning becomes too individualized? Isn’t learning inherently social—something that thrives on interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences? Without these elements, are we losing the richness, emotional connection, and sense of community that make learning truly transformative? That’s where the concept of social learning comes in. It’s the idea that learning doesn’t just happen in a vacuum—it’s powered by interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences. Here’s what we know about why it matters: ? Learning through others: We learn not just by doing, but by observing and interacting with others. Watching someone else solve a problem or approach a challenge can deepen our understanding in ways solo learning can’t. ? Collaboration = critical thinking: When learners work together, they’re motivated to think differently, solve problems, and share ideas in a way that goes beyond individual effort. ? Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Learning alongside others helps us see new perspectives and builds empathy—something that’s hard to replicate in a purely individualized experience. ? Feedback and Reflection: Social learning provides opportunities for feedback from peers and instructors, enriching the learning process. Constructive criticism and collaboration can challenge students to think more deeply and broaden their perspectives. At IMMERSE, social learning is at the heart of everything we do. While AI helps us deliver personalized, adaptive learning pathways, we also recognize that true learning happens in a social context. That’s why we’ve built IMMERSE to prioritize interaction—both with avatars and with fellow learners—in a shared, immersive environment. In VR, learners engage in real-time, collaborate on tasks, and share experiences. This dynamic interaction strengthens both the cognitive and social aspects of learning, ensuring that learners aren’t just absorbing information in isolation but growing together with their peers. The future of education isn’t just about smart algorithms and individualized pathways. It’s about balance—combining personalized learning with meaningful social connections to create a rich, collaborative learning experience that prepares learners for both intellectual and interpersonal success. #sociallearning #vr #mr

I have a trip to Mexico City ???? planned for 2025, so really trying to up my Spanish game! ?? IMMERSE Kristin Smith ??