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/

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!

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:

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

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/

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

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/

Welcome back to The Eduverse Enigma podcast. This week we are chatting with XpertVR’s very own, Tori Howell, a 3D artist here at XpertVR. This episode we’ll be diving into XpertVR’s team culture, 3D art in VR and XR, and LARPing in a virtual world. You won't want to miss it!

Tori Howell is an accomplished 3D artist at XpertVR, bringing a wealth of expertise and creativity to the world of virtual reality and game design. With a strong educational foundation and a decade of experience in both traditional and digital artistry, Tori has established herself as a versatile professional in the field of 3D modeling, texturing, and animation.

Tori's journey in the world of art and design began with a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Animation and Concept Design from Mohawk College. This early exposure to the fundamentals of animation and design laid the groundwork for her subsequent achievements. Tori's commitment to excellence led her to further her education, where she graduated with honors from Brock University's Game Design program, further refining her skills and deepening her understanding of interactive media.

With a career spanning over six years in the realm of 3D artistry, Tori has honed her craft to an exceptional level. Her passion for pushing artistic boundaries and creating immersive experiences has driven her to excel in various areas. As a 3D artist at XpertVR, Tori's role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities, including 3D modeling, texturing, and animation of assets. Her expertise is particularly notable in her specialization of environment asset modeling and texturing, as well as her proficiency in character modeling, skinning, texturing, and rigging for integration within the Unity game engine.

Tori's proficiency isn't limited to the digital domain; she seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional and digital artistry. With a decade of experience in both realms, she possesses a unique perspective that allows her to infuse her creations with a sense of authenticity and innovation. Her portfolio is a testament to her dedication to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, whether she's breathing life into characters, crafting detailed environments, or orchestrating captivating animations.

Tori's commitment to her craft is matched only by her enthusiasm for collaboration and growth within the dynamic realm of 3D artistry. Her ability to meld creativity with technical expertise, coupled with her keen eye for detail, ensures that every project she contributes to is elevated to its highest potential. Through her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication, Tori Howell continues to shape captivating and immersive experiences that captivate audiences and redefine the possibilities of virtual reality and game design. Tori is an invaluable member of the XpertVR team!

Links From The Episode:

Tori's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-howell-7960b3210/?originalSubdomain=ca

Tori's Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/scarletflame/profile

XpertVR's S.A.R Training Simulation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiIKNCk5p3Q&list=PLbeWcIlLkVyXPmC5jytS7x8LQsn-DcMOI&index=15

Welcome back to The Eduverse Enigma podcast. This week we are chatting with XpertVR’s very own, Chris Rosati, the lead technical artist here at XpertVR. This episode we’ll be diving into XpertVR’s training simulations, the vast world of shaders, and the future of VR technology and the Metaverse. You won't want to miss it!

About Chris:

Chris Rosati is a talented and driven individual who has made significant strides in the field of game development and 3D artistry. A graduate from Brock University, Chris has always been passionate about creating immersive experiences in the gaming world. Currently, he holds the position of Lead Technical Artist at XpertVR.

With a strong background in game development and 3D art, Chris thrives in his role as Lead Technical Artist, where he plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between programmers and artists. His expertise allows him to collaborate closely with both teams, ensuring that the simulations created at XpertVR are not only realistic but also optimized for the best possible performance.

One of Chris's notable skills lies in his proficiency in shader creation and visual effects (VFX). He possesses a remarkable talent for developing impressive visual effects, which include creating intricate shaders and particle systems. These effects undoubtedly contribute to the awe-inspiring and immersive experiences that XpertVR's simulations offer to their users.

Outside of the professional realm, Chris Rosati leads an active lifestyle, showcasing his enthusiasm for physical activities like Ultimate Frisbee, Bouldering, various sports involving running or hitting a ball, like soccer. This passion for staying active and engaged extends to his work as well, where he is always eager to take on new challenges and push the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of game development.

As a Lead Technical Artist, Chris Rosati continues to leave a lasting impact on the gaming industry, and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in virtual reality experiences sets him apart as a true visionary in his field.

Links From The Episode:

Chris' Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-rosati-06a513167/

Chris' Work on Artistration: https://rosati16.artstation.com/

XR Glasses: https://www.viture.com/

CES 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDiZtjP7dOE&t=68s

Welcome back to the 12th episode of the Eduverse Enigma podcast. This week we are chatting with special guest, Justin Kosek, an innovation coach at West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. This episode we’ll be diving into VR in K-12 schools, overcoming the barriers of VR in learning, and how we can make education more student focused. You won't want to miss it!

About Justin:

Justin Kosek is an esteemed Innovation Coach at the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, where he inspires and empowers educators to embrace cutting-edge teaching methodologies and technologies. With a strong background in education and a passion for creativity in the classroom, Kosek has emerged as a leading advocate for project-based learning experiences and virtual reality integration in the curriculum.

Having started his career as a teacher in the same school district, Kosek's journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to engaging and transforming the learning experiences of his students. Recognizing the potential of technology to revolutionize education, he spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative to incorporate virtual reality into the study of the water cycle, breathing life into an otherwise mundane subject. Through this innovative approach, Kosek demonstrated that educational games and immersive experiences have the power to captivate young minds and foster a thirst for knowledge.

In his role as an Innovation Coach, Kosek draws from his extensive experience to mentor and support fellow educators. With a focus on fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, he assists teachers in crafting dynamic and impactful learning environments. Kosek's leadership has proven instrumental in cultivating a culture of innovation within the district, leading to enhanced student engagement and academic success.

Driven by a vision to bridge the gap between traditional education and the dynamic needs of the 21st-century learner, Kosek remains at the forefront of the ed-tech landscape. His expertise in managing virtual reality technologies, coupled with his understanding of the challenges and rewards of incorporating such innovations in the classroom, has made him a sought-after resource for educators across the district.

Beyond his local contributions, Kosek's influence extends to the broader educational community. He has been invited to share his insights at renowned conferences such as the International Society for Technology in Education's annual event, where he showcased his students' exceptional work and the positive impact of immersive learning experiences.

Justin Kosek's dedication to transforming education and his innovative spirit continue to inspire both colleagues and students alike. Through his efforts, he is shaping the next generation of educators and preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. As a visionary educator and Innovation Coach, Kosek remains committed to leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education.

Links from the episode:

Justin's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kosek-5375649b/

Justin and his 6th grade students using VR in the classroom: https://www.edweek.org/technology/how-this-teacher-tapped-virtual-reality-to-pump-up-student-engagement/2023/06

Zoe Immersive: https://zoeimmersive.com/

Welcome back to the 11th episode of The Eduverse Enigma podcast. This week we are chatting with XpertVR’s very own CEO and cofounder, Evan Sitler-Bates. This episode we’ll be diving into the Xpert Xplorer and answer all of the questions we’ve been asked about the bus.

What is the Xpert Xplorer?

The Xpert Xplorer is a school bus that CEO, Evan Sitler-Bates will transform into a mobile home, a podcast space, and a mind-blowing VR demo hub for XpertVR! On July 23rd, the Xpert Xplorer will hit the road and embark on an epic cross-country adventure, bringing the future of virtual reality to schools and institutions across North America!

Links from this episode:

Evan's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansitlerbates/

Introducing the Xpert Xplorer: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7075156425815064576

Welcome back to the 10th episode of The Eduverse Enigma podcast. This week we are chatting with XpertVR’s very own cofounders, Evan Sitler-Bates and Drew MacNeil. This episode we’ll be diving into all things Game Jam and learn more about a friendly yet spicy competition between the two XpertVR cofounders. You won't want to miss it!

Game Jam 2023:

XpertVR takes its passion for game development and virtual reality to the next level with its annual Game Jams. During this event, our eXperts are given full creative freedom, enabling them to craft unique and immersive games. The Game Jam acts as a playground for our developers, artists, and programmers to explore the endless possibilities of virtual reality in game development.

This year, the team is taking their annual Game Jam to new heights by introducing a friendly competition format. Our artists and developers will be split into two teams, each working on an individual VR game. The first game, involves traffic direction and allows users to step into the shoes of police officers and take on the responsibility of directing traffic flow in a realistic virtual environment. The second game focuses on home renovation, offering players an immersive experience of demolishing and rebuilding houses in a virtual space. 

To make the Game Jam even more exciting, XpertVR has extended its duration to an entire week, allowing teams ample time for ideation, development, and refinement. At the end of the week, the best game will be determined through a public poll on XpertVR’s social media platforms, engaging the community and generating enthusiasm for the incredible creations that emerge from the Game Jam.

Links from this episode:

Evan's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansitlerbates/

Drew's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-macneil/?originalSubdomain=ca

Marvin's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-del-mundo-7a2663200/

Game Jam 2023 Blog: https://xpertvr.ca/unleashing-creativity-and-team-spirit-for-game-jam/

VR C.A.T.S by XpertVR: https://xpertvr.ca/case_studies/how-xpertvr-develops-vr-simulations-vrcats/