iLRN Virtual Lab Member Application & Agreement

iLRN Labs Access Application Protocol (draft)

Application Overview

The Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN) Virtual Research Laboratory provides researchers with access to FrameVR-based virtual research environments and portal connectivity to complementary XR tools. This application protocol ensures responsible, ethical, and high-quality research whilst supporting the collaborative, volunteer-led mission of the iLRN community.

Application Process Structure

Stage 1: Initial Application Submission

• Timeline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

• Review Period: 2-6 weeks from submission

• Format: Online application form with supporting documents

Stage 2: Peer Review Process

• Community Review: Application reviewed by iLRN research committee

• Technical Assessment: Platform requirements and feasibility evaluation

• Ethics Review: Ethical implications assessment (with referral to institutional IRB if required)

Stage 3: Decision and Onboarding

• Notification: Applicants notified within 48 hours of decision

• Access Provisioning: Laboratory access granted within 5 working days

• Orientation: Mandatory virtual orientation session for approved researchers

Research Application Questions

Section A: Researcher Information and Background

A1. Principal Investigator Details

• Name, title, and institutional affiliation

• Contact information (email, phone, preferred communication method)

• ORCID ID and professional website/profile links

• Current position and department/organisation

A2. Research Team Information

• Co-investigators and their roles in the proposed research

• Graduate student researchers and their supervision arrangements

• Technical support team members (if applicable)

• Previous experience with virtual reality/immersive technologies research

A3. Institutional Affiliation and Ethics

• Primary institutional affiliation and research ethics committee details

• Current institutional ethics approval status (if applicable)

• Previous experience with virtual research environments

• Professional memberships relevant to immersive learning research

Section B: Research Project Description

B1. Research Title and Abstract Please provide:

• Concise research title (maximum 150 characters)

• Abstract summarising the research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes (250-400 words)

B2. Research Objectives and Questions

• Primary research question(s) to be investigated

• Secondary research objectives

• Hypotheses (if applicable)

• Expected contribution to immersive learning knowledge

B3. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework

• Brief review of relevant literature positioning your research within current scholarship

• Theoretical framework underpinning your research approach

• How your research addresses identified gaps in immersive learning research

• Connection to iLRN community research priorities

B4. Research Methodology

• Research design (experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, ethnographic, case study, etc.)

• Data collection methods and instruments

• Participant recruitment strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria

• Data analysis approach and statistical methods (if applicable)

Section C: Virtual Laboratory Requirements and Technical Specifications

C1. Platform Requirements

• Specific FrameVR functionalities required for your research

• Portal connectivity needs to external XR tools or platforms

• Required virtual environment characteristics (spatial layout, interactive elements, etc.)

• Special technical requirements or customisations needed

C2. Participant Technology Requirements

• Hardware requirements for research participants (VR headsets, computers, mobile devices)

• Internet connectivity requirements

• Accessibility considerations for participants with disabilities

• Alternative access methods for participants with limited technology access

C3. Data Collection and Storage

• Types of data to be collected within the virtual environment

• Data storage requirements and location preferences

• Data sharing protocols with research team members

• Integration requirements with external data collection tools

C4. Virtual Environment Design

• Detailed description of required virtual spaces and their functionality

• Interactive elements needed for data collection

• Environmental modifications or customisations required

• Integration points with external assessment or measurement tools

Section D: Participants and Ethical Considerations

D1. Participant Information

• Target population and demographic characteristics

• Sample size and recruitment timeline

• Age range of participants (special considerations for minors)

• Vulnerable populations involvement (if applicable)

D2. Participant Safety and Wellbeing

• Measures to prevent motion sickness or VR-related discomfort

• Protocols for managing participant distress or adverse reactions

• Emergency procedures for technical difficulties during data collection

• Participant support resources and contact information

D3. Informed Consent and Privacy

• Informed consent procedures adapted for virtual environments

• Privacy protection measures for virtual interactions

• Data anonymisation and pseudonymisation protocols

• Participant withdrawal procedures and data deletion processes

D4. Ethical Considerations Specific to VR Research How will your research address the following ethical considerations:

• Potential for VR to generate empathy or emotional responses that may persist beyond the research session

• Integration of ethical analysis into the virtual environment design process

• Potential psychological effects of immersive virtual experiences

• Considerations for participants' digital identity and avatar representation

• Data collection in virtual spaces and privacy implications

Section E: Research Timeline and Deliverables

E1. Project Timeline

• Research phases with specific milestones and deadlines

• Laboratory access period required (start and end dates)

• Data collection timeline and participant recruitment schedule

• Analysis and write-up timeline

E2. Expected Outputs and Dissemination

• Planned publications (journals, conferences, book chapters)

• Presentations at iLRN conferences or other academic meetings

• Potential for open-access sharing of research materials or protocols

• Community engagement and knowledge transfer activities

E3. Resource Sharing and Community Benefit

• How research findings will benefit the broader iLRN community

• Willingness to share virtual environment designs with other researchers

• Potential for collaborative research opportunities with other iLRN members

• Contribution to iLRN knowledge base and resource library

Section F: Risk Assessment and Management

F1. Technical Risks

• Potential technical challenges and mitigation strategies

• Backup plans for platform failures or connectivity issues

• Data loss prevention and recovery procedures

• Alternative research methods if virtual laboratory access is compromised

F2. Research Risks

• Potential risks to research validity or reliability

• Participant safety risks and management strategies

• Ethical risks and mitigation approaches

• Timeline risks and contingency planning

F3. Community and Volunteer Organisation Considerations

• Understanding of iLRN's volunteer-led structure and implications

• Willingness to contribute to community support and mentorship

• Flexibility in accommodating community resource constraints

• Commitment to collaborative and supportive research practices

Section G: Previous Experience and Qualifications

G1. Relevant Research Experience

• Previous research using virtual reality or immersive technologies

• Experience with online or digital research methodologies

• Relevant publications or presentations in immersive learning

• Experience working with volunteer-led research communities

G2. Technical Competencies

• Familiarity with FrameVR or similar virtual platforms

• Experience with VR hardware and software

• Data analysis software proficiency

• Virtual research environment design experience

G3. Professional Development and Community Engagement

• Commitment to iLRN professional development opportunities

• Previous involvement in collaborative research networks

• Mentorship experience with junior researchers

• Willingness to contribute to peer review processes

Section H: Budget and Resource Requirements

H1. Funding and Financial Support

• Current funding status for the proposed research

• Budget allocation for virtual laboratory access (if applicable)

• In-kind contributions from your institution

• Potential for cost-sharing or collaborative funding

H2. Volunteer and Community Support

• Technical support requirements from iLRN volunteers

• Mentorship or consultation needs from experienced community members

• Willingness to provide reciprocal support to other researchers

• Contribution potential to community resources and knowledge base

Section I: Supporting Documentation Checklist

Please ensure the following documents are attached to your application:

Required Documents:

• Curriculum vitae for all key research team members
• Institutional ethics approval documentation (if available)
• Research protocol document (using provided template)
• Participant information sheets and consent forms
• Data management plan
• Risk assessment documentation