Above the Book: Catching Up with the Thinkerers

Host: Phelan Corrimal (RL: Kevin Feenan)

This roundtable brings together several recipients of the VWBPE Thinkerer Award to reflect on what more than two decades of experimentation in immersive environments have taught us about teaching, learning, and community building in virtual worlds. Moderated by **Phelan Corrimal**, the discussion will explore what virtual worlds have done well, where the community can improve, and how immersive learning spaces continue to evolve as educational technologies mature.

Participants will also consider the relevance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to virtual learning environments, and where immersive education may have its greatest impact in the coming years. Attendees can expect a candid and thoughtful conversation grounded in the practical experiences of leaders who have helped shape immersive education, offering insights useful to both experienced practitioners and those newly exploring virtual learning spaces.

Featured Thinkerer Award recipients include:

• Gentle Heron/Alice Krueger (2015) – Recognized for pioneering work in accessibility and leadership within the Virtual Ability community
• Spiff Whitfield/Andrew Wheelock (2016) – Honored for advancing immersive learning design and fostering collaborative virtual world communities
• Valibrarian Gregg/Valerie Hill (2018) – Recognized for connecting libraries, archives, and immersive environments for education and public learning
• Zinnia Zauber/Renne Emiko Brock (2020) – Honored for innovative research and cultural scholarship in virtual worlds
• Pionia Destiny/Doris Molero (2022) – Honored for contributions to immersive teaching and international collaboration in virtual education
• Sheila Yoshikawa/Sheila Webber (2023) – Recognized for groundbreaking work in information literacy and virtual world pedagogy

Venue: VWBPE Auditorium (3 landing spots):
Auditorium – Canopy Waterfall
Auditorium – Floating Gallery
Auditorium – Rainbow Mezzanine