The Eduverse Enigma

EP19: The Power of VR for Learning with Michael Carter

Welcome back to The Eduverse Enigma Podcast. This week we are chatting with special guest, Michael Carter. Join us as we dive into topics ranging from the future of the Eduverse, how VR is being used in schools today, how to convince colleagues and decision-makers to give VR a try and so much more! Learn more about Michael at the following links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcarter2013/ Michael's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hFpZuDCNhy7mertvzzxlb OntheBlockchain.ca: https://ontheblockchain.ca/

Eduverse Podcast- The Importance of Life, Time, Creativity, and Self-Exploration with Hugo Gatsby

Welcome back to The Eduverse Enigma Podcast. This week we are chatting with special guest, Hugo Gatsby, co-founder of Stradea Design Labs and Facilitator at Deloitte. In this episode we’ll be diving into the concept of time and life, the importance of creativity and exploring who you are, and insightful life stories. You won't want to miss it! About Hugo: Hugo is an award-winning designer, having been voted a top 40 graphic designer in North America. Having worked in digital media for over 15 years, Hugo leverages UX design, behavioural science and design thinking to develop AODA/WCAG compliant websites, build authentic brand stories, and genuinely connect businesses to their consumers. He has collaborated with companies such as the Canadian Government, Hamilton Health Sciences, the Bank of Montreal, Bell Canada, Deloitte Canada, Jean-Paul Gaultier (his favourite designer), Volkswagen, and even Netflix. As a Harvard graduate with a Master’s in Business Management, Hugo has leveraged his work in organizational behaviours to further drive engagement through his visual design work. As a life-long learner, Hugo is always curious to find new ways to adapt new and even current technologies to build collaborative solutions for organizations. Being diagnosed with autism at an early age, Hugo has spent his life overcoming adversity and continuously learning new ways to interact with others and to share his views on autism. Living on the spectrum has given Hugo a unique perspective and his ambition is to help raise awareness and support for others living with autism. He is a loving husband to his best friend Nadia and a proud new dad to their adorable daughter Zaria Simone and a new baby boy Oscar Xavier. Hugo currently runs Stradea Design Labs, works with Deloitte in the Behavioural Science division, is the co-lead on raising a new baby boy and energetic 2-year-old, while supporting the XpertVR team on all of their online digital endeavours, and ongoing strategic discussions such as valuations, brand positioning, and expanding their industry reach. It sounds like a lot, but we haven’t told you of the “side-hustles” yet. We love Hugo. Links From This Episode: Learn more about Hugo: https://hugogatsby.com/ Hugo’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugogatsby/ Hugo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugogatsby/ Stradea Design Labs Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stradea-design-labs/ Stradea Design Labs Website: https://stradea.ca/ Paintings & Bourbon: https://paintingsandbourbon.com/ Hugo's New Book: https://www.amazon.ca/HACK-PLANET-cognitive-bias-codex/dp/1777453933 The Gamification Periodic Table: https://theidea.ca/gamification-101/gamification-tactics/

Eduverse Podcast- Rating Collaborative VR platforms with Marvin Del Mundo

Welcome back to The Eduverse Enigma podcast. This week we are chatting with XpertVR’s very own, Marvin Del Mundo, the head of marketing here at XpertVR. This episode we’ll be grading our top 6 collaborative VR Platforms, including Engage, Spatial, Rec Room, Remio, Horizon Workrooms, and VRchat. You won't want to miss it! About Marvin: Marvin Del Mundo is the Content Marketing Manager at XpertVR, a virtual reality eLearning company based in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. He recently graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with hounors, and majored in marketing management. He has gained experience as an intern and Product Marketer at XpertVR during the summer of 2022. In his current role, Marvin is responsible for generating leads, handling the company’s social media pressence, leading the marketing team in refining/posting content, and creating/editing content for a wide range of B2B channels. Marvin is a strong advocate for celebrating the creative arts and expresses himself through his own poetry which he shares on his social media accounts. His role as Content Marketing Manager at XpertVR allows him to use his knowledge and experience to help share XpertVR’s mission to redefine training and education for firefighters, police officers, and students preparing for these roles through virtual reality eLearning curriculum. Marvin is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest marketing trends and technologies, and he continuously strives to deliver innovative marketing strategies to help XpertVR achieve its business goals. The 6 Collaborative VR Platforms mentioned in this episode: https://www.remiovr.com/ https://www.spatial.io/ https://recroom.com/ https://engagevr.io/ https://forwork.meta.com/ca/horizon-workrooms/ https://hello.vrchat.com/ Marvin’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-del-mundo-7a2663200/

Eduverse Podcast- Game Design and VR Programming with Mustafa Kirgul

Welcome back to The Eduverse Enigma podcast. This week we are chatting with XpertVR’s very own, Mustafa Kirgul, a simulation developer here at XpertVR. In this episode we’ll be diving into programming simulations, the vast world of game design, and the future of VR and education. You won't want to miss it! About Mustafa: Mustafa Kirgul, also known as "Mu", is a highly skilled Simulation Developer/Programmer at XpertVR. With a rich background in game design, linguistic analysis, and education, Mu brings a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and teaching experience to his role. Mu's journey in the world of technology began as a Game Designer at Escapist and Teknoted, where he demonstrated his remarkable talent for crafting immersive gaming experiences. In these roles, he was entrusted with the pivotal task of designing puzzles and in-game mechanisms that ensured seamless gameplay and flawless execution. His meticulous attention to detail and innovative problem-solving skills set him apart in the competitive field of game development. Beyond the realm of gaming, Mu also leveraged his linguistic prowess as a Linguistic Analyst, working on language-related projects for major corporations. His ability to decode and analyze languages opened doors to a wide range of exciting opportunities, where he contributed to the success of projects for global enterprises. Mu's passion for education is evident in his role as an educator and teacher in Istanbul. His diverse teaching portfolio includes English as a Foreign Language, Turkish as a Foreign Language, Academic Reading & Writing, and Computer Skills for Social Sciences. As an educator, Mu not only imparted knowledge but also inspired his students to excel, fostering a nurturing and dynamic learning environment. Now, as a Simulation Developer/Programmer at XpertVR, Mu combines his multifaceted background to push the boundaries of virtual reality and simulation technologies. His ability to bridge the gap between creativity and technical expertise allows him to create cutting-edge simulations that captivate users and drive innovation. Mu's dedication to excellence, coupled with his unwavering commitment to the intersection of technology and education, makes him an invaluable asset to the XpertVR team. His innovative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teaching experience continue to shape the future of simulation development, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. In his free time, Mu enjoys exploring the latest advancements in technology, challenging himself with complex puzzles, and staying connected with the gaming community. His insatiable curiosity and passion for innovation drive him to continually push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of virtual reality and simulation. Mustafa Kirgul, aka "Mu," is not just a Simulation Developer/Programmer; he is a visionary whose contributions are shaping the future of immersive experiences and technology-driven education. Links From The Episode: Mustafa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkirgul/ Download VR C.A.T.S on SideQuest: https://sidequestvr.com/app/1164/vr-cats VR C.A.T.S: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_xcKDd3hgo

Eduverse Podcast- Data Privacy and Spatial Analytics with Tony Bevilacqua

Welcome back to The Eduverse Enigma Podcast. This week we are chatting with Special guest, Tony Bevilacqua, the CEO and Founder of Cognitive3D. In this episode we’ll be diving into data privacy and ownership, the evolution of Cognitive3D, and VR in education. You won't want to miss it! About Tony: Tony Bevilacqua is an accomplished entrepreneur and visionary leader renowned for his expertise in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address intricate analytics and big data challenges within immersive environments. As the founder of Cognitive3D, a distinguished Vancouver-based enterprise, Tony's profound insights and innovative strategies have been instrumental in driving advancements within the realms of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). With a distinguished career marked by remarkable achievements, Tony stands as a seasoned second-time founder who possesses a unique prowess in conceptualizing and cultivating enterprise-class platforms. These platforms not only surmount the complexities of the immersive landscape but also deliver substantial value to clients, partners, and shareholders alike. Prior to his trailblazing journey with Cognitive3D, Tony's entrepreneurial acumen shone brightly as he co-founded and meticulously directed product and engineering efforts at Knetik—an enterprise software platform. His strategic stewardship steered Knetik to unprecedented heights, culminating in its acquisition by the esteemed telecom technology integrator, Cima Group. Beyond his impactful ventures, Tony Bevilacqua extends his influence and knowledge as a member of the Board of Directors for the Vancouver chapter of The VR/AR Association, underscoring his commitment to shaping the future of immersive technologies. Tony's commitment to continuous growth is underscored by his academic pursuits, having pursued a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship at Royal Roads University. In the ever-evolving landscape of immersive technologies, Tony Bevilacqua's resolute leadership, profound technical insight, and unwavering dedication continue to illuminate new paths and possibilities, solidifying his position as a true luminary in the industry. Links From The Episode: Tony’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbevilacqua/ Cognitive3d LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cognitive3d/ Cognitive3d Website: https://cognitive3d.com/ XR Privacy Framework: https://xrprivacyframework.org/