XR@UM: Building a Community of Practice in Immersive Learning at the University of Montana

Abstract

This iLEAD Extended Abstract illustrates the development of the University of Montana’s (UM) interdisciplinary campus-wide Community of Practice (CoP) for Extended Reality (XR), including Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality. The CoP was established to unite faculty, staff, and students to share and discuss the use of XR technologies for teaching, learning, and research happening at UM. The initiative, supported by the Office of Organizational Learning and Development, The Mansfield Library and the Vice Provost’s Office on Educational Initiatives and Innovation aims to create a collaborative space for XR, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and promote the co-creation of immersive educational tools and experiences at the university. Here we describe the CoP’s initial development during the Spring 2025 semester, focusing on strategies, projects, and events to support XR integration across UM. The CoP’s efforts include as key components of its strategy inaugurating the Immersive Learning Research Network’s Montana chapter, workshops, knowledge-sharing events, and core infrastructure. The UM CoP serves as a model for scaling XR adoption in higher education.