Meta, Code Like a Girl, and T&DA have started the Meta Immersive Learning Academy to offer free, self-guided augmented reality training modules. This initiative aims to provide over 200 women and gender-diverse individuals with the confidence, tools, and support needed to explore immersive technologies and pursue careers in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).The Immersive Learning Academy is a global program designed to support the next generation of creators for the metaverse, helping to grow Australia’s creator ecosystem by offering upskilling, community-building, mentoring, and monetisation opportunities.
Upskilling with Meta Spark AR Curriculum
The specialised Meta Spark AR programme seeks to provide women the abilities to develop and share AR experiences and filters. Jess Herrington and Raymond Leung, two well-known Australian AR creators, have their works included in the curriculum.
The Meta Immersive Learning Academy’s launch includes a dedicated, self-guided online curriculum available to all Australians. This course comprises quick start, fundamentals, and pro modules, making it accessible and free for anyone to upskill on AR effects, most notably seen on Instagram as “facial filters.” The course caters to beginners who have never heard of Meta Spark before and technical creators who have already published a few effects.
Growing the Creator Ecosystem
Mia Garlick, Meta regional lead for APAC, told the media, “As so many companies build for the metaverse, we’re seeing exciting opportunities for creators to build their business – whether it’s through creating new experiences; designing accessories for avatars; or making the effects that bring augmented reality to life – we want to support creators to make a living. That’s why we’ve partnered with Code Like a Girl and T&DA to help grow Australia’s creator ecosystem by providing a platform where creators can upskill, build community and learn how to market and monetise their work.”
Code Like a Girl and T&DA’s upcoming course, launching in May, includes free support for women in the Code Like A Girl community to upskill in AR. The program provides training and coaching over an eight-week period, after which participants can develop face filters, target trackers, and world effects. It also includes information sessions and community building events for women to connect and build networks, and the opportunity to apply for formal Meta Spark certification upon course completion.
Ally Watson, CEO and founder of Code Like a Girl, said, “Our digital and physical realities are inextricably linked, so addressing the gender imbalance within tech is paramount. We’re delighted to bring this program and cutting-edge curriculum to the Code Like a Girl community, where it will introduce a much-needed diverse range of creators into the metaverse – leading us towards more equitable experiences for all genders.”
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Raymond Leung, creative director at T&DA, added, “We are excited to announce our partnership with Meta to create the Meta Spark Curriculum, an educational program designed to teach Australians how to effectively use Meta Spark to drive innovation and growth. By leveraging our expertise in education and training and Meta’s cutting-edge technology, we are confident that the Meta Spark Curriculum will provide valuable insights and practical applications for individuals at all levels.”
Meta’s partnership with Code Like a Girl and T&DA to launch the Meta Immersive Learning Academy offers a unique opportunity for women and gender-diverse individuals to upskill in AR and pursue careers in the metaverse. Through this initiative, the creators’ ecosystem in Australia can grow, benefiting from community-building, mentoring, and monetisation opportunities. With the bespoke Meta Spark AR curriculum, participants can gain skills to create and publish AR filters and experiences, opening up a world of exciting possibilities in the AR and VR space.
