Discover insights, stories, and updates from the XR for VR Project at Bismarck State College. Explore how extended and virtual reality are transforming immersive learning and innovation.

The XR for VR Immersive Room Opens This Month at Bismarck State College 

Bismarck State College is excited to launch the BSC Immersive Room this month! Using XR technology, the space lets people with disabilities explore careers, try out job tasks, and gain confidence, all in a safe, accessible environment. It’s a big step forward for helping youth and adults prepare for real-world jobs.
Schools, agencies, employers, and community partners across North Dakota are invited to visit and see it in action. Guests can walk through virtual workplaces, practice skills, explore career paths, and see how XR can support learning and employment. It’s a hands-on way to discover what immersive technology can do.
The Immersive Room is more than just tech, it’s about opening doors. Participants can reduce anxiety, build confidence, and figure out what they’re good at, while employers can see skills and potential up close. It’s an exciting space where learning and opportunity come together.

If you’ve ever heard “CIE” and thought, “Uh… what?” — you’re not alone.
Let’s make it super simple.

So… what IS CIE?

Competitive Integrated Employment means:
People with disabilities working real jobs, in regular workplaces, earning real pay.
That’s it.

Breaking it down:

Competitive = Real Pay

o At least minimum wage

o Same pay as coworkers doing the same job

Integrated = Working With Everyone Else

o Regular workplaces (stores, offices, restaurants, schools)

o Not separated

o Part of the team

Employment = A Real Job

o Not volunteeringo Not busy work in a separate room

o A job that matters

Why It Matters

Everyone deserves the chance to work, earn money, build skills, make friends, and feel proud.
CIE helps people grow and helps workplaces become more inclusive.

Easy Examples

Alex has autism and loves organizing. A grocery store hires him to restock shelves.
He works with the team, earns the same pay, and is included. → That’s CIE.

Maria uses a wheelchair and is great with people. A hotel hires her at the front desk.
She works the same hours and gets the same pay. → Also CIE.

What ISN’T CIE?

What Helps CIE Work?

Things like job coaching, learning support, communication help, and accommodations — whatever helps someone succeed in a real job.

In a Nutshell

CIE = Real jobs. Real pay. Real inclusion.
It’s about making sure people with disabilities can work, grow, and shine — just like anyone else.

My first week with XR for VR coincided with a teachers’ conference, The event aimed to promote virtual reality initiatives for North Dakota high schools and explore ways to connect students and faculty with career opportunities. An exciting (and slightly brain-melting) way to start what I like to call my “thrown-straight-into-the-fire” introduction.
I spent much of my time helping teachers get comfortable with the VR headsets and showing them videos that highlighted the daily responsibilities at the companies involved with XR for VR. At first, I had very little idea what I was doing, but I improvised whenever someone asked a technical question. When a teacher asked, “Where are the construction videos?” I confidently responded, “That is an absolutely excellent question.”
In addition to helping with VR, I assisted individuals with mobility challenges as they navigated the building and accompanied them on visits to various company workspaces. 
Overall, the first week was a significant whirlwind, I was unfamiliar with the environment and unsure of expectations. But the staff’s kindness, support, and uniquely enthusiastic energy helped me feel welcome and accepted. Because of the warm atmosphere (and possibly because they probably wouldn’t let me leave even if I tried), I’m excited to continue my journey with XR for VR.
- Cole Edwardson (XR for VR Peer Mentor)