The Virtual Learning Center at the UNF library began its cultural VR/AR series on March 9 with Women’s Stories in VR.
The program uses immersive technology to showcase women’s voices and stories from around the world during Women’s History Month, according to the UNF events website.
Women’s Stories in VR
Through the VLC Cultural VR/AR Series: Women’s Stories in VR, participants explored women’s lived experiences, creativity, and leadership.
According to The Tech Interactive Insider Blog, Women’s History Month is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements and contributions throughout history. While honoring those who fought for gender equity in the past, it also recognizes today’s women breaking barriers.
The immersive storytelling experiences focus on resilience, identity, activism, and social change and are open to all students, faculty, staff, and members of the community, according to the UNF events post.
According to the LibGuides profiles website, Beryl White-Bing is the event organizer and virtual learning librarian.
White-Bing said, “The Cultural VR/AR Series was created to market the resources in the Virtual Learning Center and demonstrate how immersive technology can be used for education, cultural exploration, and storytelling as well as for entertainment.”
“It felt especially meaningful to highlight stories featuring women’s voices, experiences, and leadership during Women’s History Month. Through virtual reality, participants can access narratives about identity, resilience, and social impact that are not possible through traditional media,” White-Bing said.
Ana Brown
Women’s voices & global storytelling
According to the library’s event calendar for the signature event, Virtual Voices: Women’s Stories in Virtual Reality, students will evaluate VR narratives depicting women’s lives across cultures and reveal themes of resilience, identity, activism, and social change.
White-Bing said when students experience a VR environment, they often feel a stronger emotional and cognitive connection to the subject matter. That sense of presence can deepen empathy and foster a deeper understanding. By doing so, participants can engage with complex issues such as activism, social justice, and personal identity in a more memorable and reflective way.
Said Ulfati, a Virtual Learning Center student assistant, said the VLC Cultural VR/AR Series made a strong impression on them.
“The VLC Cultural VR/AR Series really resonated with me. Hearing women’s voices shaping global stories felt genuine and grounded. It wasn’t about showing off technology—it was about real people and real experiences, and it reminded me of how immersive media can actually make us feel closer to each other.”
According to UNF’s Virtual Learning Center website, the center has 16 VR PC stations and access to 16 portable Meta headsets. The VLC is equipped to provide immersive experiences for the Northeast Florida community.
“I really want people to see VR as more than a place to play games,” White-Bing said.
White-Bing said, “I’m hoping that participants leave with a deeper appreciation for women’s contributions and experiences across different cultures. At the same time, I want them to see how powerful emerging technologies can be for cultural immersion.”
Trevor Wilson, a Virtual Learning Center student assistant, said the VR experience offers an innovative way to learn about women’s history.
“By providing an immersive museum-like experience. I recommend that all students explore the VLC and its experiences,” said Wilson.
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