XR Bootcamp

Beyond Inclusion is a workforce diversity training program that aims to train people in the technical skills necessary for the metaverse.

The deadline for applications is nearing on July 15, and the first program class is expected to debut on August 15. Candidates can apply here.

Lots of people are now dreaming about the metaverse, the universe of virtual worlds that are all interconnected, like in novels such as Snow Crash and Ready Player One. No longer the domain of science fiction, McKinsey predicts the metaverse will be worth $5 trillion by 2030. The time to make sure inclusion — and not the digital divide — prevails in the metaverse is now, according to those creating the program.

Meta is sponsoring the first training class for Beyond Inclusion at the XR Bootcamp (an online training program), and the partners are encouraged that this could be the beginning of a program that could train 100 applicants a year and eventually much larger numbers. The Games for Change event in New York this week is supporting the initiative as a media partner. Further reading

London - 9AM Jan 11 2023 Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, and XR Bootcamp, a global online academy offering skill-to-job beginner and advanced VR/AR development courses, are excited to announce their partnership to develop and test various VR language learning app prototypes.

Pearson and XR Bootcamp have joined forces to create 13 Prototypes and 4 store-ready XR language learning MVPs:

Pearson gives students a real project brief and shares their subject-matter expertise on language learning and instructional design methodologies.
XR Bootcamp then assigns each student team a technical mentor and a project manager, ensuring students benefit from getting a real-industry partner and learning how to work in a simulated real-world XR Studio environment.
COO of XR Bootcamp, Rahel Demant stated:

"Finding the Netflix or Pokemon Go app of VR language learning will not happen overnight. It requires a lot of trial and error combined with market and user feedback which leads to different iterations.

“That’s why we partner with companies looking to prototype innovative XR use cases in concise time frames. Companies appreciate the diverse background of our students, which guarantees creative ideas and getting to know talent as potential future hires.

“In just one week, students pitch up to 15 different app prototypes. Our partners usually choose up to 5 of these prototypes to be developed into store-ready MVPs. This process only takes one month. On top of that, prototypers highly appreciate the chance to work with real industry partners and get senior-level expert feedback."

Over the past two months, XR Bootcamp students have developed a diverse range of exceptional VR language learning use cases. Pearson will now use these prototypes for further development and internal user testing. The goal is to validate the most productive language learning experience with fun gameplay mechanics and multiplayer features.

Gio Giovannelli, President of English Language Learning, Pearson, said:

"Combining fun VR mechanics with effective learning experience design requires numerous iterations and lots of feedback from cross-functional experts.

“It’s been great seeing XR Bootcamp prototypers and trainers work closely with our experienced mentors to coach students and make prototypes a success.

"We will use the VR language learning use cases developed by XR Bootcamp for further development and internal research with the aim of improving the experience of learning a foreign language.”

Pearson and XR Bootcamp will be extending their collaboration into the future as part of their commitment to improving education, learning, and accessibility of opportunity globally. Further reading