Expanding immersive learning opportunities in northern and rural communities with XPertVR and Contact North 

Exploring how virtual reality and immersive learning technologies can improve access to vocational training and support educators in northern and rural communities.

Kim Nutter, School of Creative Industries

About the project

Conestoga partnered with XPertVR, Contact North/Nord, KelenContent, and Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION) to explore how extended reality (XR) technologies could address barriers to education and vocational training in northern and rural communities.

Led by Kim Nutter, a professor in Conestoga’s School of Creative Industries, the project brought together Conestoga’s Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab (VARLab), student researchers, and community partners to develop immersive learning resources, deliver training, and strengthen regional connections.

The challenge

Northern and rural communities face barriers to accessing post-secondary vocational training, including limited access to specialized equipment, reliable high-speed internet, and qualified educators. These challenges highlighted a need for stronger educational partnerships, professional development opportunities, and accessible learning technologies that could support local training needs.

Approach

• Collaborated with northern and rural communities to identify vocational training gaps and opportunities for immersive learning
• Worked with industry partners to develop an intensive pilot program teaching participants how to create virtual reality stories and simulations
• Developed a Moodle library of digital learning simulations supporting vocational training
• Created an immersive storytelling video series highlighting best practices for virtual reality production
• Designed an educator micro-credential examining the benefits, challenges, and practical considerations of immersive learning
• Delivered immersive technology workshops in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, and Timmins

Results

• Developed digital learning resources and simulations to support vocational education and training
• Produced an immersive storytelling mini-series hosted through Contact North/Nord
• Created a micro-credential providing educators with resources and guidance for integrating immersive technologies into classrooms
• Delivered community workshops introducing participants to immersive learning applications
• Supported local filmmakers and creatives in developing virtual reality stories through the Sudbury Stories incubator
• Strengthened connections between Conestoga, industry partners, educators, and northern communities

Why it matters

• Expands opportunities to explore vocational training in communities facing geographic and technological barriers
• Provides educators with practical resources for incorporating immersive technologies into teaching
• Supports experiential learning through simulations that allow learners to practise skills and decision-making
• Builds local capacity for virtual reality storytelling and content development
• Creates opportunities for students to participate in applied research and community collaboration
• Demonstrates how partnerships can support more accessible and engaging approaches to education and training

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We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).