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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

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

 

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