Using XR to Understand Implicit Bias and Explore a Community's “Lost Stories”

XR, or extended reality, is an umbrella term used for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). XR learning allows people to experience studies in an up-front, immersive environment, and you don’t have to be a tech expert to build your own XR learning experience. The Marin County Free Library in California wanted to explore how XR could help patrons understand equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice (EDISJ) by experiencing implicit bias for themselves.

In this webinar, attendees will learn how to help youth gain XR development skills; create an immersive experience of a “lost story” from their community; integrate media into high school social justice classes and public libraries; and host community events to showcase the student work and expand awareness.

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Help youth learn XR development skills;
• Create an immersive experience of a “lost story” from their community;
• Integrate media into high school social justice classes and public libraries; and
• Host community events to showcase the student work and expand awareness.

Panelists:

John MacLeod is the executive director of XRLibraries, a leading company integrating XR technology in libraries and schools. Over the last four years he has worked with state and local libraries to develop and implement strategies for deploying augmented, virtual, and 360 VR technology and programs. He has served as a commissioner for the Marin County Free Library for the last four years and received the 2018 California State Library Associations Presidents Award. He is a partner in the Marinovation Learning Center, a unique collaboration between the Marin County Free Library and local school districts to provide innovative learning programs in media, a makerspace, and the XRMARIN academy for creating XR content. John has spent the last thirty years making technology available and accessible to all through his non-profit, New Media Learning. He has worked with technology startups, most notably Autodesk, believing that use of technology promotes diversity, equity, and opportunity.

Chantel Walker is the assistant deputy director of the Marin County Free Library. She also serves on the board of directors of the Marin County Library Foundation, as well as the Marin Environment and Housing Coalition. She is the former president of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, and board chair of the Children’s Creativity Museum and the Women’s Foundation of California.

CALL Training Partner for this Event: American Library Association