The Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN)’s 2022 Conference Board invites you to submit proposals to host and conduct one of iLRN’s Special Tracks from May 30 to June 04, 2022, Vienna, Austria (in person and online!). For this 8th annual conference, we seek to continue to advance our shared understanding of the full “DNA” necessary to make high-quality immersive learning experiences. Your specialized focus and immersive learning-related research may find richer context and deeper meaning within a Special Track! We are interested in discovering, showcasing, and sharing how Immersive Learning experiences are best made and/or applied. Contribute a Special Track to the iLRN 2022 experience!

While we’re always encouraging and accepting iLRN Special Track proposals from researchers, artists, and developers focused on digitally enhanced immersive learning — special to this year, iLRN is announcing a specific interest in research in the realms of DISRUPTION, INNOVATION & RESILIENCY: becoming an inclusive & robust global community for immersive learning.

Topics of interest for Special Track proposals may vary widely, but MUST BE CLEARLY DIFFERENT to the Main tracks of the Conference below:

• Track 1. Assessment and Evaluation (A&E)
• Track 2. Early Childhood Development & Learning (ECDL)
• Track 3. Galleries, Libraries, Archives, & Museums (GLAM)
• Track 4. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, & Social Justice (IDEAS)
• Track 5. STEM Education
• Track 6. Language, Culture, & Heritage (LCH)
• Track 7. Medical & Healthcare Education (MHE)
• Track 8. Nature & Environmental Sciences (NES)
• Track 9. Workforce Development & Industry Training (WDIT)
• Track 10. Basic Research and Theory in Immersive Learning (not linked to any particular application area)

Papers submitted to Special Tracks follow the requirements, review process and deadlines of papers submitted to the Conference Main Tracks and are published in the Conference Proceedings as:

• Full (6–8 pages) paper for oral presentation
• Short paper (4–5 pages) for oral presentation
• Work-in-progress paper (2–3 pages) for a poster presentation.

Special Tracks Proposal

Special Track proposal submissions should contain the following sections in the suggested order and must not exceed 2 pages. The only accepted format is PDF.

• A concise Special Track title.
• The names and affiliations of the organizers; typically it should count no more than three co-chairs preferably affiliated with different organizations.
• Proposed duration of the Special Track (one session (1.5 hours, half or full-day).
• A two-paragraph description of the Special Track topic, themes and relevance.
• If the Special Track was conducted before, where and when was it conducted?
• A description of the Special Track format: contributions must focus on sound research. Publications to be submitted and published must follow formats specified in the main conference (long and short papers). Please also outline, if invited speakers are involved.
• A tentative Program Committee (PC) list (with an indication of whether PC members have already been contacted and/or have expressed interest.) Indented deadlines for distributing the call, contribution submissions and the review process must be outlined. Deadlines for notification of authors for paper submission will be in line with the deadlines outlined in the main conference.
• It is expected that Special Tracks will be open to all interested registered iLRN Conference parties.

A short bio of the special track organizers, including a description of their qualifications relative to the topic area, and past experience in organizing/facilitating research meetings.

The review process of proposal submissions focuses on the expertise of the Special Track chairs as well as the relevance and soundness of the Special Track topic, the quality of the PC members, and the review process for the Special Track itself.

Tasks for Accepted Special Track

The Special Track chairs are expected to apply the highest standards to promote, manage and run the Special Track respecting the deadlines and procedure. This includes:

• Preparing and distributing the call for contributions to the Special Track.
• Align with the review procedure and submission deadlines of the main conference.
• Communicating with the authors, Special Track Chairs and Academic Program Chair.
• Keep the conference organizers (Special Track Chairs and Academic Program Chair) updated on the status on a regular basis.
• Providing a one-page abstract summarizing the Special Track to be published together with the papers of the Special Track. The abstract must follow the style guideline and must include title, name and affiliations of Special Track chairs, background and motivation of the Special Track, and summary of the review process.

How to submit a proposal?

Academic communities wishing to propose a special track are invited to:

• Email their Expression of Interest to run a Special Track to the Program Chairs at ilrn2022.generalchairs@immersivelrn.org no later than Oct 31st, 2021, with a short description, rationale for immersive learning.
• Finalise the Special Track proposal following the above guidelines by November 15th, 2021.
• Notification of acceptance Special Tracks: November 21st, 2021.

All submitted special track proposals will be reviewed by the General Chairs, the Program Chairs and selected board members following the quality aspects published in the detailed call text.