The Immersive Learning Research Network calls together exceptional minds at the intersection of computer science, game design/user experience, and the Learning Sciences, along with domain experts, to drive forward the field of Immersive Learning. With the formation of The iLRN Circle of Scholars we have a pioneering interdisciplinary group dedicated to the advancement of Immersive Learning as a distinct and vital discipline. The Circle seeks to leverage our collective abilities as a body of applied science and design to better understand, shape and inform the landscape of immersive educational experiences. Together with our broader network community, partners, students, and experts around the world, The Circle of Scholars hopes to provide ideas, leadership, and meaningful direction for the emerging discipline of immersive learning.
Selection Criteria and Process
The iLRN Circle of Scholars was established under founding co-chair Chris Dede (Harvard) to convene leading contributors to immersive learning as an emerging discipline. The inaugural class (2024, n=39) was selected through a two-stage process:
First, identification of the most productive and influential scholars from iLRN’s first decade of conferences and publications, alongside recognized scholars across the contributing disciplines — the learning sciences, computer science, game design and user experience, and applied domains;
Second, purposeful sampling, in which this inaugural seed group nominated additional members via survey. The 2025 cohort (n=8) extended this peer-nomination model, prioritizing members positioned to advance the Circle’s self-selected grand challenges: defining immersive learning as a discipline, building an immersive learning repository, and developing immersive learning standards.
