# 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