The 12th International Conference of the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN2026) focuses on the educational use of extended and virtual reality and on the design of immersive learning experiences. Within the iLEAD strand, discussion addresses not only the capabilities of immersive technologies but also questions of representation, participation, critical literacy, and responsible use.
On 14 June 2026, Pierce XRLab is presented as a two-year extended-reality curriculum for students in Grades 8–9. Learning is organised spirally: students begin by experiencing and interpreting immersive environments and gradually move toward critical evaluation, digital identity, ethics, and the design of XR applications. Extended reality is therefore approached not simply as a technological tool, but as a medium requiring understanding, critical engagement, and responsible design.
The spiral structure allows core ideas to return with increasing complexity, so that initial familiarity with immersive media develops into critical understanding and creative design. Particular attention is also given to safe use, accessibility and the feasibility of implementing the curriculum under real school conditions.
