The Next Evolution of Education

The simplest form of learning is by doing – and immersive technology is making that principle more accessible than ever. VR and XR are moving well beyond novelty in educational settings, offering hands-on, scenario-based experiences that meet learners where they are most engaged. Research consistently points to meaningful gains: learners complete training up to four times faster in VR than in traditional classroom settings, and report feeling significantly more emotionally connected to the material. From STEM classrooms to career exploration programs giving middle and high school students hands-on exposure to dozens of career paths in a single school day, immersive technology is helping expand what’s possible for learners regardless of their geography or resources. Studies also show that VR is particularly effective for soft skills development – building empathy, confidence, and decision-making in ways that passive learning simply cannot replicate.

The potential is real, but so are the challenges. Cost, content development, teacher preparedness, and school infrastructure remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. Researchers note that successful integration depends on aligning the technology with clear learning objectives and pedagogy – VR works best as part of a blended approach, not as a replacement for human connection and instruction. There are also open questions about equity of access, the quality of content being developed, and how to measure long-term impact beyond the initial “wow” factor. As immersive media becomes more capable and more affordable, the field is being pushed to move past hype and toward evidence-based, intentional design that genuinely serves learners of all ages and backgrounds.

Join us on the Wednesday November 4th at 2112 where this session explores how immersive technology is being used in learning environments today – what the research supports, where the gaps remain, and how to thoughtfully bring these tools into classrooms and workforce training programs in ways that make a lasting difference.

What's The Format:

We will start with informal networking with demonstrations, then host a panel discussion to answer audience questions, and we end with more networking and demonstrations. We keep it simple and informal – this meetup is about you, our members, and not just a soap box for the host, presenters, or our sponsors. Come and get your questions answered, take your next step in Immersive Technology.
5:30-8:30pm Central

5:30-6:15 PM Networking & Tech Demos

6:15-6:30 PM Welcome Message

6:30-7:10 PM Panelist Presentations

7:10-7:45 PM Panel Discussion with Q&A

7:45-8:30 PM Networking & Tech Demos

Hosts:

Matt Wren
Founder of The Next Evolution Nonprofit Event Series & VRAR Chicago

Andrew Towl - Virtual Host
XR Unity Developer & 3D Generalist - ApparitionXR

Panel Members:
Find Details at thenextevolution.org/upcoming-events

Attending The Next Evolution

Joining in Person:

2112 | 4245 N Knox Ave

conveniently located off Interstate 90/94, one (1) block from the CTA Montrose Blue Line stop as well as the Metra Mayfair stop.
Watching the Live Stream www.youtube.com/@AWEXR/streams

People can join by watching the scheduled live stream where we will field questions from!

Joining Virtually in FRAME
Framevr.io/the-next-evolution-awe-nite-chicago

We encourage folks to join us in the virtual environment by simply clicking the link above.

The Frame virtual environment resembles a physical space, so you will be able to talk with other attendees prior to the start of the presentations. We suggest that you arrive no later than 6:00pm and we will get started promptly at 6:15. Please try to get familiar with the technology prior to the meetup, as we will be unable to provide support during the event. Share your camera or simply be a unique avatar or a robot!

The Next Evolution | AWE Nite Chicago Event Series (produced by VRAR Chicago) is now and always will be 100% free to attend.
Thanks to The Next Evolution Sponsor 2112 and beverage sponsors [system] seltzers and Revolution Brewing.

We would also like to thank our Community Partners that help us continue spreading the joy of immersive technologies: FrameVR, XR Women, NVZN, Patched Reality, Two Degrees.io, and Unreal Chicago.