Extending XR is a free training programme for people in York and North Yorkshire who are looking to develop their skills in creative technology (where creative skills are combined with digital technologies to create new content, experiences and stories).
This page provides answers to some of the FAQs relating to the first phase of foundational level workshops from Extending XR.
This includes but is not limited to: digital storytellers, novice filmmakers, animators, graphic designers, content creators, artists, advertising and marketing professionals, and performing artists. The workshops are also open to hobbyists.
To book a place at a workshop, please visit the Extending XR programme web page and click on the link of the venue and workshop that you wish to attend. The link will take you to the Extending XR online booking platform.
After you have booked your place, you will receive notification of your user ID and password which will enable you to view and amend your booking, and manage any future bookings. You will receive all communications about the workshop/s that you have booked directly from the booking platform which is managed by the University of York Continued Professional Development (CPD) team.
If you experience any issues with booking a place, please email [email protected].
You can book a place at one, two or all three workshops. Each workshop is designed to build on the skills developed in the previous sessions and you are therefore encouraged to book a place on all three sessions.
Participants who complete all three workshops will be invited to participate in a showcase event at The Guildhall in York. The event will provide a unique opportunity to share new creations and connect with the York and North Yorkshire creative community, including the extensive network of XR Stories’ creative industry partners.
Training will take place at the following locations and venues:
The times of the workshops vary at each venue but all times can be found on the Extending XR booking platform which is accessed via the venue links on the Extending XR programme web page.
Each workshop will take place during the day and then the same workshop will be repeated in the evening to provide an alternative option for anyone unable to attend during the daytime.
All workshops will be delivered by Joe Rees-Jones, Creative Technologist with the XR Stories project at the University of York. Joe supports small businesses, students and researchers working in the creative industries to elevate the digital side of their projects. Joe’s expertise encompasses virtual production technologies (e.g. motion capture, game engines), immersive audiovisual applications and spatial audio.
Joe will be supported by Em Willingham, Programme Manager for Extending XR and member of the XR Stories team at the University of York. As former manager of the XR Stories immersive technology research and development studio, Em has extensive experience in facilitating the smooth delivery of training, residency programmes and events for individuals and businesses looking to develop their skills in digital and creative technologies.
XR Stories is a project at the University of York supporting individuals and small businesses in York and North Yorkshire who work in extended reality technologies including virtual reality and augmented reality. From their office and immersive technology R&D studio in York city centre, the XR Stories team provides access to equipment and expertise to support innovation and growth in the region’s creative sector.
All equipment will be provided but if you would like to use your own smart phone or tablet as part of the training, please contact Joe at [email protected] ahead of the workshop so that Joe can check that the specifications of your device will be suitable for the tools you will be using. If your device/s are suitable for use, you will be provided with a list of software that you will need to install ahead of the workshop.
Prior to each workshop, participants will have access to a course overview and agenda via an online learner portal which is activated as part of the booking process.
Following each workshop, participants will receive a resource pack to support the application of skills in their home or work environment.
There are ten places available at each workshop to ensure that all participants can receive individual guidance and support as required during the sessions. By keeping the workshop groups small, the course leaders aim to create a welcoming and collaborative environment.
Due to the hands-on, practical nature of the training, there is not an option to attend the workshops online. All workshops have been designed so that participants develop new skills through a combination of teaching and learning, and by sharing this experience through direct interactions and discussions with fellow participants.
As the Extending XR workshops are focused on skills development for adults, participants must be aged 18 or above. There is no upper age limit for participants.
Please email Em Willingham at [email protected] if you have any additional questions. Please enter ‘Extending XR’ in the subject line of your email.
Extending XR is supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
