Massive funding and resource opportunities open to schools harnessing XR
Last Friday, Metas Immersive Learning division announced a major strategic partnership with real-time 3D (RT3D) engine developer Unity to enhance extended reality (XR) learning for students, schools, and content creators.
Accelerating Immersive Learning for the Next Generation
The partnership accelerates the development of augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (AR/VR/MR) learning solutions, and the alliance will familiarise tutors with the benefits of immersive education.
Jessica Lindl, the Vice President of Social Impact at Unity, added:
Its more important than ever to connect young people with the skills needed for future jobs, as these help chart a clear path from learning to earning opportunities.
The XR firms will inspire creators to develop Metaverse-based learning experiences, namely on Metas Horizon brand of applications, including Worlds, Workrooms, and Venues.
The firms will support future Metaverse content creators via Metas Immersive Learning initiative; Vice President of Community and Impact Partnerships at Meta, John Cantarella, also said:
As part of our commitment to support the next generation of creators through the Meta Immersive Learning initiative, we’re excited to partner with Unity, a trusted and innovative name in the XR industry.
Together, we can empower aspiring creators to learn and grow in the metaverse – removing barriers to immersive technologies and unlocking new opportunities.
Meta has raised over $1 billion for international schools in the past year. Additionally, the Menlo-Park based firm provides free licenses, training, and resources to over 450,000 international students.
Unity and Meta enable educators to empower learning opportunities using XR technology. To support this, the firms deployed two grants.
Create with VR Grant
Meta and Unity offer two avenues of support through its Create with VR Grant, which contains two separate applications.
The Create with VR Headset Grant provides Meta Quest headsets to learning establishments that provide Metaverse content creation education.
With notification coming in May, successful applicants will receive a headset package from Meta by July. The Menlo Park-based firm also provides unboxing and onboarding support.
The grant is available now to US schools and non-profit establishments teaching students aged 13 and older, prioritising applicants working with underserved communities.
Additionally, the firms opened applications to their Create with VR for Educators training opportunity. A globally available and free XR training course that is open to schools, teachers, and trainers wanting to harness VR in the classroom.
Unity leads the course that provides roughly 30 hours of accredited professional learning between July 12th and August 5th, 2022. Also, the classes run for a second time between August 30th and September 20th, 2022.
The training provides teachers with support, networking, and resources to assist with VR education through live sessions and learning modules.
Higher Ed XR Innovation Grant
Open until June 15th, 2022, Meta and Unitys Higher Ed XR Innovation Grant gives institutions capital and developmental support to create programs to educate their students through XR or RT3D-based immersive learning tools. Meta also gives special consideration to programs aimed at underserved learners.
Additionally, the grant will focus on innovative projects that train future workforces with the skills required to create Metaverse content in an expanded vision to widen the global XR talent pool.
Judges will award funding to applicants based on inclusion, impact, viability, and innovation. The grant accepts projects at all stages of development.
Successful applicants receive $1 million from Meta Education and Unitys Charitable Fund. Also, assistance comes from the Tides Foundation.
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