Daniela Pedrosa, INESC TEC’s researcher, took on the position of editing manager responsible for the publications of the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN), after four years as publication chairon the organising committee of the conference promoted by the association.
Dedicated to research in the field of immersive learning, the main objective of the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN) is to bring together professionals and contribute to the improvement of “humanity and the world”. Daniela Pedrosa has been representing the Institute since late 2024; now, she takes on the position of editing manager, responsible for the network’s publications.
This is an “important milestone” in the researcher’s career, allowing her to “contribute to the advancement of research and development of pedagogical practices with the use of emerging technologies, in particular self-regulation and co-regulation of learning in immersive environments”. At the same time, it is also an opportunity to advance the “international collaboration network with professionals and researchers in the field”.
ILRN focuses on “promoting educational solutions that integrate immersive technologies to improve learning and training in various areas,” explained Daniela Pedrosa. The network relies on dynamism and an active approach, which translate into several initiatives organised. “People who get involved in iLRN are passionate about education, technology, and promoting initiatives that help humanity reach its potential with innovative projects.”
Among said initiatives, it’s worth highlighting the annual iRLN Conference; this year’s edition takes place between June 15 and 19, 2025, in Chicago (U.S.A.) – already “in full swing”. “Since this is the main annual event of the network, it’s becoming increasingly relevant to the immersive learning area, since it brings together researchers, educators and developers to discuss the latest technological innovations and their practical applications in education”. According to Daniela Pedrosa, “the exchange of ideas” is yet another positive aspect of the event, with an impact on “new pedagogical approaches“, but also on the solidification of the “importance of immersive technologies in the global educational scenario”.
Moreover, this is an area that INESC TEC has been exploring, with “significant steps in the development and application of immersive technologies to education”. This is possible through researchers focused on “new learning methodologies, through the use of virtual and augmented reality, or other technologies, favouring more interactive and personalised learning.”
All of this makes Daniela Pedrosa quite optimist regarding the future – “as long as there is passion, commitment and interest in expanding and exploring the integration of these technologies in educational contexts,” she concluded.
The researcher mentioned in this news piece is associated with INESC TEC, the Polytechnic Institute of Santarém and CIDTFF.
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