Retreat is a VR app and social education platform that connects users with world-class experts and courses focusing on self-improvement and personal development. The app transports learners to immersive virtual worlds with the goal of helping users upgrade their “real-world avatars” by equipping them with “tangible real-world skills.”
Unlike conventional e-learning channels, which are often described as isolated, passive, and static, Retreat offers a communal and interactive approach to learning. It also allows users to explore interactive worlds and immersive environments.
A VR App for Transforming Lives
This unique VR app, that’s soon-to-be-released on the Meta Quest Store, connects learners with educators who specialize in teaching practical skills such as holistic wellness, art and creativity, career and entrepreneurship, and financial well-being. With Retreat, students are more likely to get better outcomes, such as having better focus, establishing deeper emotional connections to content, and being more confident in applying their skills after their lessons.
“This platform will change the face of well-being in VR and beyond,” said wellness, transformation, health, and fitness expert Nicholas Pratley, who is also one of the Retreat instructors. “This is what new education in a new world looks like.”
Developed by immersive tech company GeniusX, Retreat aims to usher in a new era of education that complements today’s more technologically-advanced world. It also gives experts a platform with which they can engage their audiences across different tech platforms, further enriching their educational experiences.
“Our goal is to revolutionize education through the use of virtual reality,” said Retreat CEO, Nick Janicki, in a press release shared with ARPost. “We are changing the way that personal growth and self-improvement can be experienced by students.”
The social education platform currently offers a handful of carefully curated content. Courses cover a range of subjects, from mindset and relationships to career and entrepreneurship. Some of the currently available courses include:
- Holistic wellness course “True Well Being” by Nicholas Pratley;
- Art and creativity course “Therapour Mannequins” by Leila Parnian;
- Relationships course “5 Levels of Listening” by Gisele Wyne;
- Holistic wellness course “The Flow State” by Jason Campbell;
- Career and entrepreneurship course “Land Your Right Fit Job” by Chad Silverstein;
- Holistic wellness course “Your Daily Reset” by Gisele Wyne.
Aside from delivering valuable content and teaching practical real-world skills to learners, Retreat also gives users a glimpse into the stories behind the courses. It also provides outlines for each course’s learning process.
Many more courses are currently in development, with new courses added monthly.
How Retreat Works
To access Retreat’s immersive virtual worlds, users will need to download the VR app first. Until recently, the app was available only through Meta Quest App Lab, but beta testing is now over, and the full release of Retreat is planned for December 1, 2022.
Once the VR app is downloaded, users should launch the app to explore the app’s selection of courses and instructors.
After selecting their preferred course, users will meet their instructor and interact with them as if they’re meeting in person. With their instructor, the user will go on an adventure and navigate the virtual space to participate in its various learning environments. To add another layer of fun to the whole experience, users can use magical portals, find interactive items, and answer quizzes.
Upon completing a module, the user’s progress will be saved. The modules, which are usually 8-15 minutes long, are designed to minimize fatigue, especially for newer VR users.
This article was originally published on arpost