WORLD IMMERSIVE LEARNING LABS SYMPOSIUM 2026

From Vision to Action: Building Sustainable Immersive Futures

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION
  

March 4-6, 2026
University of the Philippines Open University Headquarters,
Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

About the symposium

The World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium (WILLS) 2026 invites educators, researchers, technologists, policymakers, and industry innovators to explore how immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) can advance sustainability across education, industry, and society.

Hosted at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), this three-day event will serve as a platform for sharing transformative ideas, breakthrough projects, and practical strategies that move us from vision to action in shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and immersive future.

We welcome participation from:

  • Educators integrating immersive technologies for sustainable teaching and learning
  • Researchers studying the intersections of immersive tech, sustainability, and social impact
  • Developers creating XR applications that address sustainability challenges
  • Professionals & Policymakers applying immersive technologies in environmental, cultural, healthcare, and governance contexts

Topics of Interest

(But not limited to)
  • Designing, Building, and Running Immersive Learning Laboratories
  • Immersive Learning Theories and Pedagogies
  • Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality in Education
  • Gamification and Game-based Learning Environments
  • Immersive Technologies in Professional Training
  • Storytelling and Narrative Design in Immersive Learning
  • Interaction and Engagement in Virtual Learning Environments
  • Ethical Considerations in Immersive Learning
  • Learning Analytics and Assessment Methods Future Trends in Immersive Learning Technologies
  • Case Studies and Best Practices 

Presentation Formats

  • Full Academic Papers
    • In-depth research eligible for peer review and possible journal publication
  • Short Papers in Practice
    • Case studies, project updates, and preliminary findings (published in symposium proceedings with ISBN & DOI)
  • Creative & Demonstration Sessions
    • Live or recorded demonstrations, immersive storytelling, and design showcases
  • Short Video Presentations
    • 10-minute videos (16:9 aspect ratio) highlighting innovative applications and lessons learned

Important Dates

  • December 31, 2025 – Deadline for applications to participate
  • January 31, 2026 – Submission deadline for full papers and digital presentations/ posters
  • March 4–6, 2026 – Symposium dates

Supporting Journals

Selected peer-reviewed papers may be published in The International Journal of Information Technology in Governance, Education, and Business (IJITGEB), International Journal on Open and Distance e-Learning (IJODeL), and Journal of Management and Development Studies (JMDS). Short papers and other contributions will appear in the Together Research Archive with ISBN and DOI, ensuring accessibility via ORCID, Google Scholar, and other academic databases.

International Journal in Information Technology in Governance, Education and Business

International Journal on Open and Distance e-Learning

Journal of Management and Development Studies

Organizing Partners

University of the Philippines Open University

Future Hub Immersive Lab at the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies

Mixed, Augmented and Virtual Realities in Learning Research Group

the Venue

University of the Philippines Open University Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

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