VARLab Vibe - Carolina Naoum Junqueira

(Interview by Krushi Kiranraj)

What do you do at the VARLab, and how long have you been on the team?

I am an AR/VR Digital Learning Simulation Software Developer. I have been working for the VARLab since the spring 2021 term. I started working here on a co-op and am now a full-time developer.

What do you love about your work at the VARLab?

I like that the software we are building is helping/enabling students to be more successful in their studies. I also like the fact that I am constantly sharing my knowledge and learning from our team.

What do you think the next big thing will be in immersive learning simulations?

I think the introduction of AI will be the next big thing in immersive learning simulations, allowing the experience to be more responsive according to the learner's knowledge.

What helps keep learners engaged and motivated?

The ideal solution needs to be simple enough so that learners who aren't gamers can successfully complete the simulation without struggling with interactions but challenging enough with regard to content. Not all learners who use these simulations are gamers, so they aren’t familiar with WASD to walk around, spacebar to jump, etc. Simplifying how they will interact with the learning simulation allows the learner to focus on learning the content instead of learning how to interact with the simulation.

What moments in your work bring you the most personal satisfaction and fulfillment?

Many moments bring me personal satisfaction and fulfillment, such as starting and delivering a project and learning new things as we build the teaching tool, but most important is working with a great supportive team!

What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing a career in creating digital learning experiences and simulations?

You don't need to be a game developer to start working with digital learning simulations. As long as you are passionate about what you do and know how to code, the rest is challenging and fun!

What role does feedback, both from colleagues and learners, play in refining your work?

I feel feedback is one of the greatest paths for growth, it might not always be what you are expecting and sometimes even frustrating but listening to what others have to say is always eye-opening since it's another experience from a different point of view.

What are some of the ways you measure success in designing and developing learning simulations?

I measure success in the small steps we take every sprint. Accomplishing our sprint goals and coming closer every sprint to delivering a finished project. Feedback from the stakeholders is also a meaningful way to measure success.

What are three things that help make a good life?

Family, friends, and working on something you are passionate about.

If you were a dog, what type would you be and why?

Great Dane, they are big, clumsy, and friendly.

What was the last thing you got really excited about?

Being hired as a full-time dev at the VARLab!

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What would you absolutely rate 10/10?

? ? ? ? ? ? Quality time with my family!