Exploring the Future of Education Through Immersive Learning – Reflections from the European Schoolnet Webinar

In March 2025, Sampo Forsström had the pleasure of joining Dr. Sarah L. Henkelmann-Hillebrand in an inspiring webinar hosted by European Schoolnet, focusing on the transformative potential of immersive learning in the European education scene. The session brought together educators, policymakers, and innovators to explore how immersive technologies are reshaping teaching and learning across diverse contexts.

Dr. Henkelmann-Hillebrand, a renowned expert in digital education and Market Development Manager for Europe at Epson, shared valuable insights into educational trends and strategies for sustainable digital transformation. Her keynote emphasized the importance of visionary leadership and pedagogical innovation in embracing immersive tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive simulations.

In my presentation, I highlighted how immersive learning is being piloted in the FCLab initiative in Finland. Our work focuses on integrating immersive environments into education, with a strong emphasis on student engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world relevance. From virtual learning spaces to AI-assisted scenarios, we are exploring how these tools can support both academic and vocational pathways.

One of the key takeaways from the webinar was the need for collaborative development—bringing together educators, researchers, and technology providers to co-create meaningful learning experiences. Immersive learning is not just about technology; it’s about designing pedagogically sound environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

As part of FCLab-project, we continue to experiment with immersive approaches, gather feedback from students and teachers, and refine our models. The webinar was a valuable opportunity to share our journey, learn from others, and strengthen the European dialogue on future-oriented education.

Immersive learning is here to stay—and it’s up to us to shape its role in building inclusive, engaging, and future-ready schools.

Watch the recording of the webinar from the European Schoolnet’s Platform.