Meta launches Immersive Learning Academy to train Australian creators in augmented reality

Originally Published: 16 March 2023

Creators are central to Meta’s vision for the metaverse — they will help build immersive experiences that allow users to connect with their interests and communities.

As we build for the metaverse, we’re seeing exciting opportunities for creators to monetise and build their business — whether it’s through building new experiences and games; designing clothing and accessories for avatars; or making the effects that bring augmented reality to life — we want to support creators to make a living on our platform.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Code Like a Girl and T&DA to launch the Meta Immersive Learning Academy in Australia. The Immersive Learning Academy is a global initiative to support the next generation of creators for the metaverse. The Academy will help grow Australia’s creator ecosystem by providing upskilling, community-building, mentoring, and monetisation opportunities.

Through this partnership, Meta will provide free, guided training in augmented reality (AR) to a cohort of over 200 women and gender-diverse people. The course also includes free support for women in the Code Like A Girl community to upskill and build careers in AR by providing:

• Training and coaching over an eight-week period. Participants who complete the course will be able to develop face filters, target tracker, and world effects;
• Information sessions and community-building events for women to connect and build networks; and
• The opportunity to apply for formal Meta Spark certification upon completion of the course.

The bespoke Meta Spark AR curriculum will launch in May 2023. It is open to beginners who have never heard of Meta Spark before or technical creators that have already published a few effects.

We have also launched a dedicated, self-guided online curriculum available to all Australians. This course includes quick start, fundamentals, and pro modules making it easy and free for anyone to be up-skilled on AR effects, most notably seen on Instagram as “facial filters’’. The curriculum features the work of prominent Australian AR creators, Jess Herrington and Raymond Leung.

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.”

Raymond Leung, Creative Director at T&DA:

“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. As the demand for digital skills continues to rise, we believe it’s essential to equip individuals and businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. 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.”

To find out more and sign up for the Code Like a Girl information session in May, or sign up for Meta’s Spark program please visit https://immersivelearningacademy.fb.com/apac/australia/