VWBPE: Transitions
April 3-5, 2025
Proposals: Speed Build Guidelines
Introduction: Transitions
The VWBPE 2025 theme is Transitions. Educational transitions have reshaped how students and educators engage in virtual, AI-driven spaces. Students now actively create learning and social experiences, connecting globally and exploring diverse perspectives. Educators, as facilitators, use technology to personalize learning and support growth. These transitions go beyond format changes, redefining educational and social norms, and fostering collaboration and meaningful connections in an evolving digital landscape. We issue this Call for Proposals, to explore these transitions occurring in education across the world.
At this conference, we will explore big ideas in education including:
- How we can enhance our educational approaches
- Changing perceptions and behaviors of students towards lifelong learning, and
- Understanding the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning
Educators, innovators, and enthusiasts from all corners of the globe are invited to come together at this groundbreaking event. We understand that education is a collaborative endeavor, and we believe in the power of synergy. Whether you’re an educator, an educational technologist, a web developer, or a passionate advocate for immersive learning, you are welcome to be part of our community.
Join us at VWBPE 2025 as we explore these Transitions together.
All subject areas and virtual environments that support teaching and learning are welcome.
Speed Build applications are due 15 February 2025.
Speed Build Guidelines
- GENERAL INFORMATION
- EVALUATION METRICS
- COMMUNITY REPRESENTED
- LEARNING SPACES
- LEARNING EXPERIENCES
- LEARNING OBJECTS
- SUBMIT APPLICATION
Speed builds are new to the conference in 2025. There will be three formats of speed builds.
- Learning Spaces
- Learning Experiences, and
- Learning Objects
Overview:
Each speed build will be given a set period to design, construct, and implement a comprehensive build that meets a set criteria. This challenge encourages innovation, teamwork, and strategic design to create environments that enhance learning experiences.
For Learning Spaces and Learning Experiences, the application form will require a team of four. Each team will consist of a team captain and three additional team members. Teams with less than four members will not be accepted. The Team Captain does not need to be the person submitting the application on behalf of the team. Also, the person submitting does not need to be on the team (for example if a professor is submitting on behalf of a team of students).
For Learning Objects, the speed build will be for individuals only. Teams of two or more will not be permitted.
Evaluation Metrics:
- Design Creativity: Originality and aesthetic appeal.
- Functionality: How well the space supports interactive learning and user engagement.
- Educational Value: The effectiveness of the space in facilitating the intended educational objectives.
- User Experience: The ease of navigation and overall accessibility for participants.
- Technical Execution: The stability, responsiveness, and seamless integration of interactive elements.
- Team Collaboration: How well the team worked together to achieve their final product.
- Time Management: The ability to deliver a polished project within the given time frame.
Participants will need to combine creativity, design skill, and knowledge of virtual tools to build a learning space that addresses a specific challenge in education curriculum design.
Store bought items will not be allowed as stand alone items. Any objects that do not have one of the team members as their originator will not be counted towards the final assessment of the build.
The speed builds will be on Thursday 03 April 2025. The specific challenge you will solve through your speed build will be given to you that morning. Builds will remain in place throughout the conference and post conference period.
Click on each of the other tabs to get additional information on the expectations for each of the speed build formats.
Please note that if you are accepted for one of the speed build categories, you will not be able to participate in the other categories as each of these speed builds will be happening concurrently.
Consider the type of community you represent. Choose one that fits best.
- Educators and Trainers (default)
- Artists, Designers and Builders
- Business and Entrepreneurs
- Entertainers and Performers
- IT Solution Designers
- Nonprofits and Help Communities
- Students and Post Graduates
A learning space refers to the process of acquiring knowledge or skills, often facilitated through a thoughtfully designed environment. This environment can be either digital or conceptual and typically includes infrastructure and resources to support learning. Examples of such resources include real-time, immersive collaboration tools featuring avatars, shared objects, and virtual tools.
The Learning Spaces Challenge invites participants to design an interactive digital environment that fosters education and engagement. The goal is to blend functionality with immersive elements, creating a virtual space that supports a specific educational theme or objective.
In teams of four (the team captain and three additional builders), participants will showcase their creativity and technical prowess by developing a virtual learning space within Second Life.
After receiving their challenge, teams will have up to 4 hours to plan and build their project.
Only four teams of four will be accepted to this speed build challenge.
A learning experience is an environment where learning takes place, focusing on the learner’s journey and the outcomes of their engagement. Key components include activities, interactions, and emotions, all co-created by educators, learners, and the surrounding context.
The Learning Experiences Challenge tasks participants with designing an engaging and interactive activity that promotes knowledge acquisition and skill development through active participation.
In teams of four (the team captain and three additional builders), participants will showcase their creativity and technical abilities by developing a virtual learning experience within Second Life.
Teams will have up to 4 hours to plan and execute their project after receiving the challenge.
Only four teams of four will be accepted to this speed build challenge.
The Learning Objects Challenge invites participants to design an engaging and interactive object—scripted or unscripted—that facilitates knowledge acquisition and skill development through active participation.
This is an individual speed build challenge, where participants will showcase their creativity and technical skills by developing a specific object to enhance learning engagement within Second Life.
Participants will have one hour to plan and complete their learning object.
This challenge does not have a set limit for participation.