Class Visits and Workshops with Maya Georgieva
The mission of the XReality Center is to collaborate with faculty and students across the university and beyond in advancing the use of immersive media for teaching, learning and research. We offer workshops, open hours, individual consultations and social events. We work with faculty on developing and integrating immersive and emerging technology into the curriculum. Each semester our Director, Maya Georgieva visits and delivers guest lectures to a number of courses across the university. Here is the list of courses Maya visited and spoke at in fall 2020.
PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN
VISUAL COMMUNICATION LAB 2 taught by John Davidson and part of the Fashion Marketing and Communication program. This course explores the various spaces – physical and digital – where visual messages and narratives are encountered. Students are introduced to digital technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in order to consider how these technologies can be used in new and innovative ways within fashion marketing and communication. As part of her lecture Maya shared with the students examples of Augmented and Virtual Reality experiences across the fashion industry, from virtual runways, to retail and marketing campaigns students learn about the opportunity to engage industry and customers across schools.
FASHION CULTURES taught by Beth Dincuff in the School of Fashion, the course is an intellectual studio which complements integrated design practice and offers students the opportunity to explore and define their creative and aesthetic vision through engagement with the narrative of history and a wealth of NYC resources. We collaborated with Beth and Maya led a mini-workshop in which students learn about virtual social spaces and exhibited their final projects in a Virtual Gallery.
THESIS PREPARATION: LECTURE LD taught by Revecca Mintz and part of the Lighting Design Program. This course is a research based preparatory seminar in the final fall term that precedes the spring Thesis Studio. Students work closely with faculty to define and examine a topic that will subsequently be examined through a design problem in Thesis Studio. In this class Maya introduced the students to opportunities that exists with virtual worlds both in terms of lighting design for both physical and virtual spaces.
INTEGRATED DESIGN taught by Zohar Kfir, Elisabeth Smolarz ,Uchen Zhang
These set of courses taught by three faculty that we have now collaborated over multiple semesters focus on digital media. Students will work with various digital applications including, but not limited to, digital imaging, video and audio and various presentation platforms to represent concepts and processes. May lead two set of workshops on Creating Augmented Reality and 360 Video Experiences.
PRINCIPLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN taught by Michele Gorman part of the Parsons Constructed Environment Programs. This course introduces fundamental principles of interior design composition. We have collaborated with Professor Gorman in the past and this time Maya joined a group of faculty provided feedback to the students projects which re imagined city spaced in the Covid pandemic provided opportunity for gathering, exercise and play. Students used a variety of virtual platforms and tools to share their projects.
Maya Georgieva spoke as part of the GEM Fall Inspiration Series offering an overall XR industry outlook. Students shared examples of projects ideas and received feedback on some of their ideas. As part of this collaboration, we are working on a project creating a virtual gallery as part of the International Women’s Day.
UNIVERSITY LIBERAL ARTS: UNIVERSITY LECTURE PROGRAM
IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING taught by Anezka Sebek and part of the Immersive Storytelling Minor Program. The Immersive Storytelling ULEC explores the history and practice of immersive storytelling in a wide range of domains. It is a gateway course for the Immersive Storytelling Minor. The XReality Center has partnered with Anezka Sebek over multiple courses and projects and we are always excited to collaborate with her and the students in the class who choose to pursue the Immersive Storytelling minor. In the fall, once again our students created amazing virtual worlds and experiences.
NEW SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH: LIBERAL STUDIES
VIRTUAL WORLDS & HUMAN CIVILIZATIONS: ONLINE REALITY taught by Eiko Ikegami this course could not be more timely and at the same provocative. The pandemic of the new coronavirus has quickly accelerated adaptations of online virtual methods of communication in everyday life and in education. What does this development mean for human civilizations? This seminar questions conventional understandings of “the virtual and real” through examinations of materials derived from philosophical, literary, and artistic classics as well as from digital-online perspectives. Maya took students on a virtual tour in a number or our own virtual worlds, discuss avatars, AI and the impact of technology on the human civilization.
SCHOOLS OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
INTERACTION DESIGN taught by Diane Mitchell part of the Media Studies Program. Interaction Design is the art of effectively creating delightful and compelling experiences between people and the products and services that they use. New modes of interactions have already reinvented age-old practices, such as socializing, storytelling and wayfinding. The students in this course toured our virtual spaces and learn of new applications and ways to build them and explore new interfaces.
EUGENE LANG COLLEGE LIBERAL ARTS
TRANSMEDIA SKILLS & CRAFT taught by Lori Grinker part of the Journalism and Design Program. In this project-based course, students will reinterpret the role of the visual journalist in the transmedia era. The class will interpret the theme ” personal political” and blur boundaries across disciplines to develop a layered practice that allows for deeper communication and understanding of a documentary subject. We loved hosting these students in the lab over the last few semesters but this year Maya delivered the workshop on Immersive Storytelling with 360° Video online. Students learned, viewed and discussed recent 360° Video projects across journalism and advocacy. Students learned about 360 cameras and design principle on how to create projects with them
In a middle of a Covid-19 pandemic we continue to meet with faculty, students, visit classes and inspire new projects. We are excited about the Immersive Learning Innovation Initiative taking place in Spring 2021 and it potential to bring new opportunities to work, learn and create in virtual worlds.
Virtual Gallery: What Would the Egg Do
Virtual Reality Exhibition with Parsons School of Design XReality Center Celebrates the Wisdom of the Female Cycle for Women’s International Day. We are excited to work with Rinat Sherzer to design and develop the virtual gallery for “What Would The Egg Do?”, an online exhibition featuring a vast range of innovative and thought-provoking artworks, opens to the public Women’s International Day, March 8th. The exhibition celebrates the neglected wisdom of the egg and honors nature’s cycles.
The decision to launch the exhibition on Women’s International Day is on one hand an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women’s rights activists; on the other, it reminds us of the daily struggles that women, and especially women in developing countries and Black women, still face today. This date presents the opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a society and what we still have
to fight to achieve.
The concept for the exhibition was developed by curator and Parsons faculty Rinat Sherzer. Her TED Talk entitled “The Bloody Taboo With The Power To Change The World” has sparked new dialogue in an often-shunned topic. In it, she explains, “Our society today is programmed to achieve like sperm. Being competitive, fast and goal oriented.
One that idolizes scale, quantity, and constant doing over patience, discernment, and being.” Sherzer continues to explain, “In order to create life, nature needs both the sperm and the egg, and if sperm on its own cannot create life, then nor can a society that acts like it. The sperm and the egg are equally essential.
The goal is to integrate the masculine and feminine qualities we all embody, regardless of our gender identity.” The exhibition has been developed with the intention to give artists the opportunity to connect, practice, and create the wisdom of the egg. The female egg is precious, dynamic, and ever-evolving; it demonstrates life, death and regeneration. Its cyclical essence is aligned with many of nature’s systems, such as the seasons of the year and the phases of the moon. The four phases of the cycle offer a framework that can expand our consciousness from a narrow linear approach into a cyclical one that honors our place as part of nature.
The exhibition is based on an open call asking artists to create a four-part artwork over four consecutive weeks aligned with the egg’s cycle. It is a celebration of our differences, where artists from all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply. Over a hundred artists have expressed their interest and thirteen were chosen for the opening month. The artwork presented showcases an array of mediums, from glass installations, to textiles to video art. The exhibition is presented in a Virtual Reality Gallery designed by Maya Georgieva, Director of XR and HCI Labs and 3D work by Tomas Correa. The Virtual Gallery is one of the ways to participate in the opening and explore the art. We are excited to be a part of this creative partnerships.
SPRING 2021 Immersive Learning Workshops
Coming this spring check out our workshop offerings for January – March. We deliver a number of in-class workshops and visits throughout the semester. During these sessions we review relevant examples and discuss ways to integrate VR/AR into the teaching and learning environment. Request a session for your department or team via the request form: Examples can focus on the use of VR/AR in Creative industries, Humanities, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Journalism, Art and Design, New Media Narratives or Suggest your own topic. If you are unable to make the workshops dates/times listed in the schedule or wish to meet one-on-one, you can request an individual session by writing directly to Maya Georgieva, Director of Education Futures. We hope to see you in one of our sessions this spring.
Virtual Spaces and Galleries for projects, collaborations, and sharing student work
The XReality Center will share and demo immersive applications for curricular and extracurricular activities. Join us to learn more about virtual spaces for teaching, showcasing, and performance. Email Maya Georgieva at maya@newschool.edu to schedule a session.
Thursday, January 28th – 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Tuesday, February 9th – 3:00 – 4:15 pm
Register here
Creating AR Scenes with Adobe Aero
Adobe Aero is a Mobile AR authoring application that allows us to create immersive Augmented Reality experiences using a mobile Apple device. With Adobe Aero we will learn how to import 3D content, animate content based on user interactions, designate target surfaces or images, and much more. In this introductory workshop, we will explore the features available in Adobe Aero, mobile AR design, and how to deploy AR experiences on mobile devices. At this time Adobe Aero is only available on iOS devices so an iPhone or iPad are required for this workshop.
Wednesday, February 3rd – 2:00 -3:15
Register here
XR and The Future of Immersive Learning 
With virtual and augmented reality, we are on the cusp of the next wave of the Digital Revolution. Immersive computing will impact multiple areas of culture and society, transforming the way we play, work, communicate and express ourselves. As we reimagine education in the digital age, immersive computing may offer us a unique opportunity to transform learning. This session will review recent and upcoming developments in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality as well as a series of projects across the higher education landscape. The session will offer opportunities for questions and discussion. Following the session, faculty will have the opportunity to visit the XReality Center virtual hub.
Wednesday, February 17th – 3:00 – 4:15 pm
Register here
Intro to Unity
Want to start developing a VR experience? Curious about how to start making a game? From awe-inspiring animations to medical applications, Unity is the powerful one-stop-shop for creating digital content. Learn the basics of this free developer tool!
January Dates: Thursday 28th 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
February Dates: Thursday 11th- 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm ; Thursday 25th 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Register here
Immersive Storytelling with 360 Video
In this interactive, hands-on workshop, we will review examples and explore key elements in the design of compelling 360° video experiences to gain a deeper understanding of immersive storytelling. We will learn and experiment with 360° video cameras, editing tools, and brainstorm project ideas. We will discuss and Identify strategies and project-based use cases for the implementation of 360° video in the learning environment and on campus.
Wednesday, March 3rd, 1:00 – 2:15 pm
Register here
Virtual Reality, Digital Literacy, and Ethics
What is the future of digital literacy in a world where the virtual and physical will be equally real? How should literacy be defined when actual human experience is no longer the touchstone for reality? As VR and AR begin to transform the learning environment, we will face profound questions on digital literacy and ethical issues. This session will explore how the growing use of VR will require new forms of digital literacy. We will discuss the expanding importance of privacy, ethics, and cultural sensitivity questions posed by VR and AR. This session will begin with a short presentation leaving ample time for discussion.
Tuesday, March 9th – 3:00 – 4:15 pm
Register here
For additional immersive learning workshops and events, please check the XReality Center site regularly.
Happy New Year 2021
Whether in New York City or around the world we wish you a Happy New Year! We look forward to working with you to in 2021
Call for Proposals: Immersive Learning Innovation Initiative
As part of the Immersive Learning Innovation Initiative faculty are invited to consider and submit a proposal for Spring 2021 existing courses. The successful proposals will receive direct curricular and technical support from the XReality Center and students enrolled in the courses will receive the Oculus Quest 2 headset on a loan to use for the spring semester. The deadline for proposals is Monday, November 23rd. Submit your proposal
Curriculum Opportunities:
Virtual Environments and Social Spaces: Deliver classes and group sessions in virtual spaces. Explore visual, science and other simulations and field trips. Host guest speakers and activities in virtual social worlds.
Making in 3D Worlds: Create art, media, design environments and virtual narratives. Develop experiences, games and 3D exhibition and gallery spaces to share and showcase projects for internal and external audiences.
Performance Spaces: Design and host performances in virtual stages and worlds. Host virtual performances for Music, Theater, Dance, Poetry, etc.
Additional Support for Preparing your Proposal
Getting started with your proposal: Lots of ideas are coming to mind but not sure what is feasible schedule a session with Maya Georgieva to brainstorm and explore ideas.
Step 1: Request a consultation with Maya Georgieva, Director of Education Futures / XReality Center by completing the request form https://forms.gle/DKyniJ2RcGaxHG9u9 or, prepare as much of the XR proposal form as you can.
Step 2: Meet with Maya Georgieva to discuss your course concept and the draft of your proposal.
Step 3: Submit your final proposal using this form.
The deadline for proposals is Monday, November 23rd.
Submit your proposal
Join us Friday 10.30 for our spookiest XR Meetup yet!!
Join us this Friday in the virtual XReality Center Hub for our spookiest XR Meetup yet!! Connect with storytellers, designers, and makers from the XR Community at The New School to talk Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality.
VR experiences play on a wide range of emotions to engage the viewer. One of the most intense and immersive emotions that creators love to tap into is fear! This week we’ll be talking about scary experiences in VR as we figure out what makes them so compelling.
We are going to have our avatars in Halloween costumes and there’ll be spooky music, ghost stories, and conversations about all things XR. We will start on Zoom and hop into the Immersive Cafe. Join us in VR or on your laptop. RSVP to received instructions here. Hope to see you all there!
While You Wait… 2.0, “Unearthed” Premiere
We are thrilled to share The New School alumni choreographer Navarra Novy-Williams and 360° video artist and composer Carlos Johns-Dávila premiere viewing of “Unearthed” on November 1st at 3 pm.
While You Wait… 2.0, “Unearthed”
When: Sunday November 1 at 3pm – 4pm
Where: Inwood Hill Park @Shorakapoc Rock Exact location HERE
For anyone unable to attend, the installation will also be viewable on their site anytime after Nov. 1.
While You Wait… is a series of site-specific virtual dance installations created and co-produced by Navarra Novy-Williams, choreographer, and Carlos Johns-Dávila, 360° video artist and composer. In a time when limited physical human connection is an act of solidarity, While You Wait… 2.0, Unearthed explores the boundaries of our connections with each other and with the animate world around us. Unearthed was created in collaboration with Upper Manhattan based dance-artists, Parijat Desai, Marielis Garcia, Waverly Fredericks, Alex Jenkins, Laura Mead, Kianna Moye, and Thomas Woodman.
Unearthed will be viewed in a socially distanced event on November 1, 2020 on location in Inwood Hill Park. The installation is watched through personal smartphones, QR code, and cardboard viewers. The process was documented at www.whileyouwait360.com and the final installation will also be available for remote viewing on the site beginning on November 1st.
The While You Wait… series pioneers a use of 360° video and VR technology to enrich non-traditional performance spaces with zero-footprint virtual installations. It challenges our sense of reality and reimagines the relationship between audience and performer by asking timely questions about our use of technology and the nature of our interactions in space. While You Wait… 1.0 was presented at the New School in April 2019.
Unearthed is made possible in part with funding from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation and administered by LMCC, and Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by LMCC. UMEZ enhances the economic vitality of all communities in Upper Manhattan through job creation, corporate alliances, strategic investments, and small business assistance. LMCC serves, connects, and makes space for artists and community.
Fall Immersive Learning Workshops at The XReality Center
XReality Center Open House – September 3 – 25th
The XReality Center holds Open Houses to demonstrate immersive applications for curricular and extracurricular activities. Join us to learn more about virtual spaces for teaching, showcasing, and performance. Email Maya Georgieva at maya@newschool.edu to schedule a session.
XR and The Future of Immersive Learning
With virtual and augmented reality, we are on the cusp of the next wave of the Digital Revolution. Immersive computing will impact multiple areas of culture and society, transforming the way we play, work, communicate and express ourselves. As we reimagine education in the digital age, immersive computing may offer us a unique opportunity to transform learning. This session will review recent and upcoming developments in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality as well as a series of projects across the higher education landscape. The session will offer opportunities for questions and discussion. Following the session, faculty will have the opportunity to visit the XReality Center virtual hub.
Please register to receive the Zoom link
Tuesday, October 6th, 2:00 – 3:15 pm
Creating AR Scenes with Adobe Aero
Adobe Aero is a Mobile AR authoring application that allows us to create immersive Augmented Reality experiences using a mobile Apple device. With Adobe Aero we will learn how to import 3D content, animate content based on user interactions, designate target surfaces or images, and much more. In this introductory workshop, we will explore the features available in Adobe Aero, mobile AR design, and how to deploy AR experiences on mobile devices. At this time Adobe Aero is only available on iOS devices so an iPhone or iPad are required for this workshop.
Please register to receive the Zoom link
Wednesday, October 28, 3:00-4:15 pm EST
Immersive Storytelling with 360 Video
In this interactive, hands-on workshop, we will review examples and explore key elements in the design of compelling 360° video experiences to gain a deeper understanding of immersive storytelling. We will learn and experiment with 360° video cameras, editing tools, and brainstorm project ideas. We will discuss and Identify strategies and project-based use cases for the implementation of 360° video in the learning environment and on campus.
Please register to receive the Zoom link
Tuesday, October 13th, 3:00 – 4:15 pm
Virtual Reality, Digital Literacy, and Ethics
What is the future of digital literacy in a world where the virtual and physical will be equally real? How should literacy be defined when actual human experience is no longer the touchstone for reality? As VR and AR begin to transform the learning environment, we will face profound questions on digital literacy and ethical issues. This session will explore how the growing use of VR will require new forms of digital literacy. We will discuss the expanding importance of privacy, ethics, and cultural sensitivity questions posed by VR and AR. This session will begin with a short presentation leaving ample time for discussion.
Please register to receive the Zoom link
Thursday, October 22nd, 3:00 – 4:15 pm
Immersive Learning Series by Request
Review relevant examples and discuss ways to integrate VR/AR into the teaching and learning environment. Request a session for your department or team via the request form: Examples can focus on the use of VR/AR in Humanities, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Journalism, Art and Design, New Media Narratives or Suggest your own topic. For additional questions contact Maya Georgieva at maya@newschool.edu.
Immersive Learning sessions will take place online. Please register for any of the sessions above via the form. If you are unable to make the dates/times listed in the schedule or wish to meet one-on-one, you can request an individual session by writing directly to Maya Georgieva, Director of Education Futures – maya@newschool.edu.