NMSU Global Campus launches new microlearning course on designing for VR, Smartglasses, AI

WRITER/SOURCE: Karen Cooper, 575-646-4040, cooperka@nmsu.edu

NMSU Global Campus has launched a new microlearning course, "Design Principles for VR, Smartglasses, and AI", equipping learners with the skills and frameworks needed to design for one of today’s most transformative technology shifts: spatial computing. 

As industries accelerate adoption of immersive technologies, wearable devices, and AI-driven interfaces, demand is growing for professionals who can design meaningful, ethical, and effective experiences. This course bridges technical innovation with human-centered design, preparing learners to contribute across sectors including education, healthcare, workforce training, and enterprise solutions. 

The course is led by Cortney Harding, an expert in smartglasses, AI, and immersive learning. She has developed programs for Fortune 100 organizations that reduced training costs by 75% and employee turnover by 30%. An Emmy-nominated executive producer, Harding has worked with Meta, Amazon, Walmart, and the World Health Organization. She is a member of the World Economic Forum, has spoken at Davos and SXSW, and taught at NYU, Barnard College, and Caltech. 

“The organizations that will win the spatial computing era are the ones investing in education now,” said Harding. “This course gives designers, developers, and enterprise leaders the frameworks they need to build for a world where AI and smartglasses are as ubiquitous as smartphones—and to do it thoughtfully and responsibly.” 

The course curriculum reflects the growing role of immersive and wearable technologies in both education and industry. As learning expands beyond traditional classrooms, organizations are seeking more contextual, interactive, and continuous approaches. 

“Embracing technologies like wearables means choosing to meet the future head-on,” said Melinda Cuilty, enterprise instructional technology administrator at NMSU Global Campus. “Learning is no longer confined to classrooms, but becomes continuous, contextual, and deeply connected to the way we live, move, and think.” 

The course also underscores that innovation must be grounded in strong design principles. 

“These technologies remove constraints of location, resources, and time,” said Jiaqi Zhang, enterprise instructional technology administrator, Academic Technology, NMSU Global Campus. “But meaningful learning still depends on thoughtful design. This course equips participants to create high-quality, responsible experiences.” 

As New Mexico continues to invest in workforce development and emerging technologies, the course supports broader efforts to prepare learners for future careers. 

“Higher education in New Mexico is increasingly focused on building future-ready skills,” said Andrew Sedillo, executive director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. “This course is a strong example of how we can prepare learners for the next chapter of technology and design.” 

The Design Principles for VR, Smartglasses, and AI microlearning course is now available through NMSU Global Campus and is designed for designers, developers, educators, and industry professionals seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

For more information or to enroll, visit https://nmsuondemand.nmsu.edu/courses/design-principles-for-vr-smartglasses-and-ai. Explore additional future-ready, skills-based courses at  https://nmsuondemand.nmsu.edu/. 

Learn more about NMSU Global Campus at https://global.nmsu.edu/.