Students, faculty, and guests can imagine the warm island breeze and golden sunset when they visit the SJSU iSchool Island in Second Life on April 21, 2015, to attend the sixth annual Virtual Center for Archives and Records Administration (VCARA) conference. The conference begins at 6 p.m. SLT (same as Pacific Daylight Time) with two keynote presentations on the topic “Within Our Grasp: Exploring Reality—Virtually,” followed by a number of 10-minute “mini-presentations” that will explore creative uses for virtual technologies and immersive learning environments.

Among the exciting presentations planned for the 2015 VCARA conference is a demonstration of how immersive learning environments can be used to depict periods of history. The presentation titled “The Story of Science in the Scientific Revolution” is just one of several devoted to the topic of the recreation of worlds via virtual reality technologies to engage students.

Another presentation, “Exploring Museums, Archives, and Libraries,” also demonstrates the connections that can be made to real-world places and events through immersive learning environments.

Participants in the conference will also discuss social relationships in Second Life and other virtual reality platforms, a topic featured in the presentation, “Avatar Personalization through Social Interaction.”

At 8:30 p.m., immediately following the last mini-presentation, VCARA has planned a steampunk-themed party for all attendees. Since VCARA defines steampunk as “an inspired movement of creativity and imagination,” the theme is perfect for an event celebrating this unique and innovative conference. Partygoers are encouraged to be creative and “dress for the occasion,” but VCARA has also promised that “hats and other goodies will be available throughout the conference” as well.

For more information on the VCARA conference, the steampunk party, and other exciting VCARA events, visit the VCARA website. Join the conference on SJSU iSchool Island here.