Attend Online or In-Person | Wednesday, May 6th
Hosted by Northern College and Contact North

A Virtual Reality Experience

Discover the world of virtual reality – mixed and augmented reality (XR).

Attend this event online or in person. Explore how XR is transforming the learning experience. Discover ways XR can be integrated into classrooms to enhance the learning environment and student engagement.

Visit Zoom – Inspiring Collaboration  or
scan the QR code for session registration.

zoomregistration

Guest Speakers

Joni Sharkey, Director, EdTech Platform Service
Contact North


Joni’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion and learner-centred design has supported the growth of online learning Ontario for over 15 years. She works with educators and trainers exploring emerging technologies—including immersive learning and AI – to help identify ways these tools can support learning. As Director, EdTech Platform Service, she leads the delivery of digital learning platforms including Moodle, BigBlueButton, and Extended Reality (XR) for Ontario’s public colleges, universities, Indigenous institutes, and training providers.

Rob Theriault, Immersive Technology Manager
Georgian College

Rob is a 35 year veteran paramedic and former Critical Care Flight Paramedic who also taught paramedics for almost as many years. After introducing virtual reality into the paramedic program and helping to create a VR hub in Georgian’s library, Rob
was asked to lead the exploration and integration of virtual, mixed and augmented reality (XR) and AI for Georgian College’s multiple campuses. Georgian has since become a global leader in immersive learning.Rob has a Master of Educational Technology from the University of British Columbia. He is a published author, researcher, blogger, Podcaster and the recipient of the Virtual World Society’s Nextant Educator Prize as a global thought leader in the XR space.

Rick Lemieux, Coordinator – Police Foundations Program
Northern College
With extensive experience in student training and applied learning, Rick focuses on preparing future law enforcement professionals through practical, scenario-based education. He has led the integration of emerging technologies, including virtual reality, into the classroom to enhance decision-making, communication, and situational awareness skills. Rick is passionate about creating realistic learning environments that bridge the gap between theory and real-world policing. Rick’s presentation and session, explores the use of virtual reality (VR) within the Police Foundations “Street Smarts VR” unit as an innovative approach to learning. Participants will gain insight into how VR technology is used to simulate real-world policing scenarios, allowing students to practice critical thinking, communication, and de-escalation techniques in a safe and controlled environment. The presentation will highlight how immersive VR scenarios enhance student engagement, build confidence, and improve decision-making under pressure.

Agenda

What is VR/XR?
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Joni Sharkey, Director EdTech Platform Service, Contact North

Street Smarts VR
10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Rick Lemieux, Coordinator of the Police Foundations Program, Northern College

The Georgian College Experience: Integrating Virtual – Mixed and Augmented Reality Across Its Campuses
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Rob Theriault, Immersive Technology Manager, Georgian College

In-Person Virtual Reality Exploration
11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

How to Attend the Presentations

Online via Zoom or In-Person

Haileybury Campus – Room C110
Timmins Campus – Room F053

How to Attend the In-Person Virtual Reality Exploration

Virtual Reality with Contact North
Haileybury Campus – Room C118
Timmins Campus – Room I012

Street Smarts VR with Rick Lemieux
Timmins Campus – J106

Campus Locations

Haileybury Campus
640 Latchford Street
Haileybury, ON P0J 1K0
Timmins Campus
4715 Highway 101 East
South Porcupine, ON P0N 1H0

For inquiries, please contact Northern’s Learning Excellence and Innovation Department by emailing: inspiringcollaboration@northern.on.ca

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