(DRAFT)

About JAMOC

We're thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between our two most cherished brands: "Just A Matter Of Code" and "Just A Matter Of Coaching." Since 1999, "Just A Matter Of Code" (JCode) has been at the forefront of creating innovative software solutions and interactive 3D experiences that cater to diverse industries. Additionally, "Just A Matter Of Coaching" (JCoach) has since 2018 been dedicated to empowering the neurodiverse community with top-notch educational resources and coaching services.

This groundbreaking partnership leverages the technical expertise of JCode and the educational prowess of JCoach to bring you a unique learning experience. By signing up for this course, you'll not only gain a valuable skillset in the burgeoning fields of XR and AI, but also be contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic tech landscape.

For the first time, we are combining our expertise in software and XR development with our passion for neurodiversity empowerment, to bring you an exclusive series of courses. Our aim? To teach neurodiverse individuals, their mentors, and their allies, how to create Extended Reality (XR) tools to tackle challenges uniquely faced by neurodiverse individuals, thus allowing their creativity and productivity to shine its brightest.

About Merging Realities

In this exclusive series, we've constructed an immersive and hands-on learning journey that explores the intersection of Extended Reality (XR), Generative AI, and Neurodiversity. By integrating these powerful technologies, we aim to empower you to unlock the immense potential of XR and AI. Our aim is not only to equip you with the skills to create impactful XR experiences and tools, but also to illuminate how these innovations can be harnessed to address the unique challenges, strengths, and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals.

As experienced neurodiverse coaches, we understand the distinct and powerful creativity often inherent in neurodiverse individuals. Throughout this course series, we'll explore how generative AI and XR can serve as tools for amplifying this creativity, offering new outlets for expression and problem-solving. By leveraging AI technologies like ChatGPT, we will provide an even more personalized and engaging learning experience, adapting to each learner’s unique pace and style.

At the heart of our series is a dedication to inclusivity and a deep appreciation for neurodiversity. We aim to illuminate the benefits of diverse cognitive approaches, showcasing how the unique worldviews of neurodiverse individuals can fuel innovation within the XR and AI space. We believe that by bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and cognitive perspectives, we can facilitate a rich learning environment that sparks novel ideas and breakthroughs.

Lastly, this course series isn't solely about building skills—it's about opening doors. Beyond the technical competencies, we will also delve into the practicalities of the industry. Our mission is to prepare you for a successful career in the XR and AI industries, by providing insight into the job market, and guidance on professional development. By the end of this series, you'll not only have a portfolio of projects showcasing your technical prowess, but also a comprehensive understanding of how your unique strengths can contribute to this rapidly evolving industry.

Series Features

Understanding XR: Delve into the principles of XR, and discover the potential of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality in solving real-world problems.

Hands-on Coding, Visual Coding, and Non-coding Design and Development: Get practical experience in coding and design for XR, with step-by-step tutorials and personalized guidance.

Neurodiverse Perspectives: Learn about the unique challenges faced by the neurodiverse community, and how XR tools can be designed to cater to these needs.

Live Coaching: Benefit from our live coaching sessions, designed to foster interaction, problem-solving, and shared learning.

Flexible Learning:Between live sessions, learn at your own pace with our self-paced modules, ensuring an accessible and inclusive learning experience.

Certification: Gain a certificate of completion after each course, validating your new skills and opening up new career opportunities. Once you complete all five courses, receive a Comprehensive Series Certificate.`

How We Work With Our Neurodiverse Learners

We use clear, simple, and concise language, especially when giving instructions. We avoid non-literal language and implied meanings such as sarcasm. We break down complex tasks and sentences into smaller, more manageable steps.
We provide a structured and predictable learning environment. We organize our course in a logical and consistent way, with a clear outline and schedule of topics and assignments.
We create a safe and supportive learning environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected.
We provide clear guidelines for communication and behavior, and address any issues that arise promptly and sensitively.
We break the course into smaller modules, each with a clear objective, to help learners better digest the information and stay focused.
We encourage learners to take frequent breaks to recharge and refocus. We structure the course to allow for breaks in between modules or assignments.
We provide frequent feedback on assignments, projects, or quizzes to help learners track their progress and make adjustments as needed.
We use visual aids, audio support, subtitles, and dyslexia-friendly fonts to help learners process and remember information. We highlight important concepts, key ideas, and workflows using visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and infographics. We use consistent color coding for different types of information, and other visual cues to draw attention to important information.
We use real-life examples and scenarios to help learners understand how the concepts they are learning apply in the real world. We use case studies, simulations, or other examples to demonstrate how the concepts apply to real-world situations.
We offer engaging and interactive learning activities, such as gamification, quizzes, and interactive exercises, to keep learners invested in the course.
We provide hands-on learning opportunities, such as VR development exercises that involve building and manipulating objects. We provide opportunities for learners to practice their skills and receive feedback, and encourage them to ask questions and seek clarification when needed.
We offer individualized support, such as one-on-one sessions or personalized feedback, to help learners overcome challenges and succeed in the course.
We incorporate opportunities for group work, peer review, or mentorship to help learners connect with others and learn from different perspectives.
We provide trigger warnings for course materials that may be potentially triggering, and offer alternatives or accommodations for learners who need them.
We offer self-care resources, such as relaxation techniques or links to mental health resources, to help learners take care of their well-being while taking the course.
We provide other reasonable accommodations as requested.

Neurodiverse VR Projects

Some of the projects that could be achieved in class are as follows:

VR Meditation Space and Relaxation Techniques: In this project, learners will use VR design and development tools to create a calming meditation space and a relaxation program. The focus will be on creating a calming and immersive environment that incorporates mindfulness techniques, guided meditations, relaxation tools, and natural elements such as soothing visuals, natural sounds, and lighting. This environment aims to help users manage symptoms, promote overall well-being, and encourage mindfulness through activities like breathing exercises, visualization, and body scanning.
VR Scheduling Tool for Executive Functioning: In this project, learners will create a scheduling tool that helps individuals stay on track with daily tasks and activities. The focus will be on creating an intuitive and customizable tool that allows users to easily input their daily schedule, set reminders, and receive notifications to help keep them on track.
VR Thought Organizer: In this project, learners will create a thought organizer tool that helps individuals better organize and process information. The focus will be on creating a visual tool that allows users to easily input and organize their thoughts, ideas, and notes in a way that is easy to understand and remember.
VR Social Skills Training: In this project, learners will create a VR-based social skills training program. The focus will be on creating a realistic and interactive environment where learners can practice social skills, such as conversation starters, body language, eye contact, turn-taking, empathy, and problem-solving, in a safe and supportive environment.
Sensory Experience Simulator: In this project, learners will create a sensory experience simulator. The focus will be on creating a customizable tool that allows users to adjust various sensory inputs, such as light, sound, and touch, to help them better understand, regulate and integrate their sensory experiences.
Interactive Visual Learning Tools: In this project, learners will create interactive visual learning tools. The focus will be on creating tools that use visual aids, such as images, videos, and animations, to help learners better understand complex concepts and information.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Tools: In this project, learners will create tools for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The focus will be on creating interactive and customizable tools that can help users identify negative thought patterns, challenge them, and replace them with positive self-talk and coping strategies. Learners may also create a safe and immersive environment where users can practice cognitive restructuring, mood monitoring, and other techniques to help them manage their symptoms.
Interactive Language Learning Tools: In this project, learners will create interactive language learning tools. The focus will be on creating tools that use visuals, audio, and other interactive elements to help learners better understand and retain new language concepts and vocabulary.
Assistive Technology for Writing: In this project, learners will create assistive technology tools to improve their writing skills. The focus will be on creating tools that help users better organize their thoughts, spell correctly, and use proper grammar and punctuation.
Remove tone from meaning using AI. Let the learner listen to a version of the message without bias.

Course XR101

Introduction to Unity and Basic VR Experience Creation

Over a 10-week period, you will get a grasp on Unity and VR basics, delivered in a project-based creation manner. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with enough knowledge to create and submit an extremely basic VR experience for beta testing on AppLab. Expect a practical, hands-on approach with real-life scenarios that provide a comprehensive overview of the Unity engine.

Project Idea:

VR Scenic Simulator - Create an immersive VR experience featuring peaceful, calming environments for neurodiverse individuals who might need a relaxing mental break. This project requires no coding, as it can be made with pre-built Unity assets.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1 - Introduction to Unity: Overview of the Unity interface, navigation, and basic functionalities.

Week 2 - Unity Assets and Scene Building: Introduction to Unity's asset library and basics of building VR scenes.

Week 3 - Importing and Using Pre-made Assets: How to import and utilize pre-made assets in your scenes.

Week 4 - Scene Interactions: Basic interactions in a scene like triggering animations or sounds.

Week 5 - Lighting and Effects: Introduction to Unity’s lighting system and basic visual effects.

Week 6 - Introduction to VR Concepts: Understanding VR principles, design guidelines, and user experience.

Week 7 - VR Development in Unity: Introduction to VR development in Unity.

Week 8 - VR Controllers and User Inputs: Understanding user input systems for VR in Unity.

Week 9 - Basic VR Project Planning: Designing and planning for a basic VR experience.

Week 10 - Basic VR Project Creation and Review: Building a basic VR experience and reviewing each other’s work.

Course XR102

Interactive Worlds: Intro to C#, Visual Coding, ChatCPT, and Animation in Unity

Dive deeper into the world of XR development in our second 10-week Unity course. This next stage of your learning journey focuses on programming basics, specifically the fundamentals of C# and visual coding, equipping you with the tools to bring dynamic and responsive elements to your XR experiences.

We introduce the power of generative AI through the application of ChatGPT, demonstrating how AI can greatly enhance your coding proficiency. The course further explores the principles of animation, enabling you to bring movement and life to your virtual environments. By teaching you to code interactions, animate objects, and integrate AI, we empower you to create more sophisticated and interactive VR experiences. Upon completion, you'll be able to design and code your own animated, interactive VR project, showcasing the skills you've mastered throughout the course.

By the end of this course, you'll create a VR experience prototype aimed at addressing the needs of someone with one or more neurodiverse conditions.

Project Idea:

Sensory Overload Simulator - This could help neurotypical individuals understand the sensory challenges faced by some neurodiverse people, enhancing empathy and understanding.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1 - Introduction to C#: Basics of C# and scripting in Unity.

Week 2 - C# Scripting Part 2: Deeper understanding of scripting principles, such as functions, variables, and logic.

Week 3 - Introduction to Visual Coding: Understanding the principles of visual coding and how to use it in Unity.

Week 4 - Visual Coding Project: Apply visual coding concepts to build interactive elements in a scene.

Week 5 - Introduction to Animation: Basic principles of animation in Unity.

Week 6 - Animation Controllers: Using animation controllers to manage multiple animations.

Week 7 - C# and Animation: Utilizing C# to control animations in Unity.

Week 8 - Introduction to ChatGPT: Understanding generative AI and how to use ChatGPT.

Week 9 - Integration of ChatGPT with Unity: Incorporating ChatGPT into a Unity project.

Week 10 - Final Project and Review: Build an animated, interactive VR experience with C# and ChatGPT integration, then review each other’s projects.

Course XR103

Advanced VR and AR Concepts

Take your XR development skills to the next level in our third 10-week Unity course, tailored to explore the advanced facets of VR and AR creation. This course delves into complex C# programming, equipping you to build intricate and engaging VR and AR experiences. Combined with a deepened exploration of ChatGPT integration, you will learn how to craft applications that are not only technically advanced but also highly personalized and responsive to users' needs. Focusing on neurodiverse needs and perspectives, this course will empower you to create solutions that truly make a difference. By the end of the course, you will be adept at creating sophisticated, immersive, and interactive experiences for the neurodiverse community, leveraging advanced C# and generative AI.

Project Idea:

AI-Integrated AR Personal Learning Assistant - A complex AR or VR application that uses advanced C# and ChatGPT to create a personal learning assistant. This tool would provide interactive, personalized learning support for neurodiverse individuals, utilizing advanced interactivity, physics, and AI to respond to user queries and assist in learning or task completion.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1 - Introduction to Advanced C#: Review of basic C# and introduction to advanced concepts.

Week 2 - Advanced Animation: Building upon basic skills, delve deeper into animation in Unity for more dynamic experiences.

Week 3 - Advanced Interactivity: Further exploration of coding interactive elements in VR and AR applications.

Week 4 - Advanced Physics: An introduction to more complex physics for more realistic interactions in VR and AR.

Week 5 - ChatGPT Integration, Part 1: Deeper exploration of integrating ChatGPT into your projects for more dynamic interaction.

Week 6 - ChatGPT Integration, Part 2: Hands-on practice with refining ChatGPT integration, focusing on responsiveness and personalization.

Week 7 - Advanced AR, Part 1: Diving deeper into AR, focusing on more complex applications and experiences.

Week 8 - Advanced AR, Part 2: Hands-on practice with creating sophisticated AR applications.

Week 9 - Project Design & Planning: Begin work on the final project, with a focus on design and planning.

Week 10 - Project Development & Review: Completion of the final project, with a review and feedback session.

Course XR110

XR Project Development
and Management

The fourth course delves into the project development and management aspects of XR. You will learn how to take an XR project from conception to completion, including design thinking, project planning, agile methodologies, and user testing. By the end of this course, you'll understand how to manage an XR project effectively, putting you in a position to lead innovative XR projects.

Project Idea:

Agile-Managed XR Project - Demonstrate your project management skills by completing a full-cycle XR project. From defining the project scope, organizing tasks on Trello, managing resources, to final testing and review, you'll apply Agile principles throughout.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1 - Introduction to XR Project Management: Overview of project management principles within the context of XR development.

Week 2 - Understanding Agile Methodology: Introduction to Agile principles and their application in XR projects.

Week 3 - Project Planning and Scope: Defining project goals, scope, and deliverables for XR projects.

Week 4 - Using Trello for Project Management: Introduction to Trello and its uses in tracking tasks and progress.

Week 5 - Team Management and Collaboration: Effective strategies for team coordination and collaboration in XR projects.

Week 6 - Agile in Action: Applying Agile principles to manage an ongoing XR project.

Week 7 - Resource Management: Overview of resource allocation and management in XR projects.

Week 8 - Quality Assurance and Testing: Understanding the importance of quality assurance and testing in XR development.

Week 9 - Project Review and Iterations: Techniques for reviewing and iterating on XR projects.

Week 10 - Final Project Completion and Review: Completion of the course project, demonstrating all the skills acquired during the course.

Course XR112

Breaking into the XR Industry

The final course prepares you for a career in the XR industry. We'll cover topics like portfolio development, effective networking, understanding industry trends, and preparing for job interviews. By the end of this course, you'll have a clear roadmap of how to secure a job in the XR industry, equipped with a compelling portfolio showcasing your skills and projects.

Project Idea:

Personal Career Launch Plan - Students will create a comprehensive and personalized career launch plan for the XR industry. This plan will include a polished XR portfolio, a professional resume tailored to the XR industry, a networking strategy, and a job search plan. This project will prepare students to confidently and effectively enter the job market.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1 - Introduction to the XR Industry: Overview of the XR industry, emerging trends, and potential career paths.

Week 2 - Understanding Different Roles in XR: Deep dive into the different roles available in the XR industry and the skills they require.

Week 3 - Building Your XR Portfolio: Guidelines for creating an impressive XR portfolio that showcases your skills and projects.

Week 4 - Resume Writing for the XR Industry: Tips and techniques for crafting an effective resume for XR roles.

Week 5 - Networking in the XR Industry: Strategies for building connections within the XR community.

Week 6 - Preparing for XR Interviews: Techniques for successful interview preparation, including common questions and how to answer them.

Week 7 - Industry Case Studies: Analysis of successful XR projects and companies in the industry.

Week 8 - Continuing Education and Skills Development: Resources and strategies for continuing to develop your skills after the course.

Week 9 - Job Search Strategies: How to effectively search and apply for jobs in the XR industry, and understanding the different avenues for job hunting.

Week 10 - Final Review and Future Planning: Summarize and review what has been learned throughout the course. Develop an individualized action plan for breaking into the XR industry, encompassing portfolio enhancement, ongoing networking, and continued learning.

Your Coaches

Andy Fitch & Caress Fitch

Andy Fitch - coming soon

Caress Fitch - coming soon

Student Information

Who Should Enroll

This comprehensive educational pathway is tailored for anyone with a passion for technology, creativity, and a keen interest in supporting the neurodiverse community. It's an ideal fit for beginners with no prior experience, who want to explore the realm of XR (VR & AR) and leverage the power of generative AI using Unity and C#. Existing software developers seeking to transition into XR development will also find immense value. Likewise, educators, therapists, or advocates working with neurodiverse individuals who wish to harness XR tools to better support their work and improve outcomes should also consider enrolling. Ultimately, this series is for any curious and driven individual who wants to contribute positively to the world by creating accessible and innovative XR tools and experiences for the neurodiverse community.

Benefits of the Courses

Enrolling in this training program offers a host of benefits that extend beyond acquiring technical skills. First and foremost, you'll be empowered to create meaningful and innovative solutions for the neurodiverse community, an immensely rewarding endeavor. You'll gain in-depth knowledge of Unity, C#, and generative AI with ChatGPT, tools that are pivotal in the rapidly growing XR industry. You'll also learn project management principles, an essential skill set for executing any successful project. Additionally, you will gain insights into the XR industry's professional landscape, helping you prepare for a rewarding career. The peer interactions and collaborative assignments during the course will also help build a network of like-minded individuals, fostering opportunities for future collaborations. The blend of technical, creative, and professional skills you'll acquire will make you a versatile asset in any tech-focused workplace. Lastly, the courses are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and supportive, providing a learning environment that caters to diverse needs and learning styles, ensuring every learner can thrive and succeed.

Video Resources

Our courses are rich with video resources designed to augment and enhance your learning experience. These videos provide comprehensive instruction, detailed demonstrations, and valuable insights, facilitating your understanding and mastery of complex concepts and practices. They range from tutorial-style lessons covering Unity, C#, and generative AI with ChatGPT, to demonstrations of creating AR and VR experiences tailored for the neurodiverse community. Further, these videos also encapsulate real-world applications, industry insights, and career advice. The video resources are designed to be revisited, allowing learners to learn at their own pace and review material as needed. Plus, they provide a visual and interactive approach to learning, which can be particularly beneficial for visual and auditory learners. By supplementing textual and hands-on resources with our video content, we aim to create a holistic, engaging, and effective learning journey.

Pricing and Enrollment Options

We've designed our pricing and enrollment options with flexibility and accessibility in mind. Each course in the series can be enrolled in separately, allowing you to start with any course that aligns with your current skill level and interest. We also offer bundled pricing if you choose to enroll in the entire educational pathway upfront, providing you a cost-effective way to benefit from the full curriculum.

To ensure accessibility for all, we offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of the courses over multiple months. We also have a limited number of scholarships available for those who may need financial assistance.

For organizations or groups looking to enroll multiple participants, we offer group rates that provide a discount per participant. These rates are an excellent choice for educational institutions or companies looking to provide professional development for their staff.

Detailed pricing information and enrollment options will be coming soon. We are committed to helping you find the best way to invest in your learning journey and future in the XR industry. Please contact us below with your questions and to join our mailing list.

FAQs

1. Do I need any prior experience in coding or XR to take these courses?

No prior experience in coding or XR is required. Our courses are designed to take you from beginner to advanced level. We'll guide you through all the necessary skills and tools, starting from the basics of Unity and C#, to creating complex VR and AR experiences.

2. Do I need to be neurodiverse to take these courses?

Not at all. While these courses are designed with a focus on creating XR tools for the neurodiverse community, they are open to anyone interested in learning about XR development and using these tools to make a difference.

3. What equipment do I need to take these courses?

You'll need a computer capable of running Unity and a stable internet connection for accessing course materials and video resources. For VR development and testing, we recommend using the Quest series of VR headsets, but it's not a requirement for all courses.

4. How long will I have access to the course materials?

All course materials, including video resources, are available for the duration of the course and for an extended period after the course concludes. This allows you to revisit materials and reinforce your learning.

5. Can I take these courses while working full time?

Yes, these courses are designed to accommodate learners with different schedules. Most of the course work can be done at your own pace, although we encourage keeping up with weekly lessons to get the most out of peer interactions.

6. Are there any group discounts available?

Yes, we offer group rates for organizations or groups of participants enrolling together. Please contact our enrollment advisor for more details.

7. Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yes, you can take multiple courses concurrently if you feel comfortable with the workload. Courses 4 and 5 are designed to be taken parallel to the first three.

8. What kind of support can I expect during the course?

We provide multiple layers of support during your learning journey. Instructors will be available for regular check-ins, and we also encourage peer interaction for collaborative learning. Additionally, our technical support team is ready to assist with any platform or access issues.

9. Is there any financial assistance or scholarship available?

Yes, we offer a limited number of scholarships for learners who might need financial assistance. Please contact our enrollment advisor to discuss these options.

10. What opportunities are there after completing these courses?

Upon completing the courses, you'll have the skills needed to create complex VR and AR experiences and tools, which opens up a wide range of possibilities in the XR industry. You'll also understand the process of project development and how to get started in the XR industry. You could work on independent projects, join a development team, or even start your own XR company.