In Virbela Open Campus, almost anything is possible.

Like hosting a special event, with attendees from all over the world, in an immersive space. Or riding in a virtual speedboat, on your desktop–no headset needed. Or participating in a virtual scavenger hunt.

Navigating their colorful immersive worlds feels very much like playing a game. Your avatar moves with WASD or keyboard arrows–and you can teleport to numerous worlds, including an art gallery, auditorium and downtown.

But there’s some serious learning, working and networking going on.

Ideas fly during regular free discussion presentations. Participants explore new skills in workshops. Artists exhibit their work in the virtual gallery and host events in spaces that can be a classroom, conference room or small-group circle–and that can change to any of these in a matter of minutes.

And much, much more is coming. Including coworking spaces, and university classes.

Sarah Segrest is both VIP of Community at Virbela Open Campus Community, and the Founder of Octosmos, which she describes as “a quirky, creative consulting and services company that sees things differently”.

Sarah talked about her background as a photographer and a technologist, shared the story of her journey with Virbela, and offered an exciting look at what’s happening in the community!

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• What first sparked Sarah’s interest in combining her creative skills with technology;

• One of her favorite early creative experiences;

• How she first experienced VR;

• How she discovered Virbela;

• A description of the Virbela Open Campus and how it works;

• How a creative educator might use the platform;

• Upcoming events in the Virbela Open Campus this autumn;

• How you might create a community event of your own!;

• A new feature that will be launching soon;

• Some of the resources available;

• How some participants are creating new immersive experiences;

• A look at some of the educational institutions getting involved;

• Sarah’s vision for the future;

• How you can support the Virbela Open Campus;

• Ways to keep the “community” spirit going;

• A closer look at Octosmos;

• Some of Sarah’s most “fun” creative experiences, in the Virbela Open Campus.