Current Course | SPRING SEMESTER 2026
Immersive Narratives in VR/AR
“The most impactful potential of virtual reality (VR) is not mere novelty or entertainment; immersive multimedia can fundamentally transform our point of view and understanding of the world around us. In this course, we will explore how VR is being utilized as a powerful storytelling tool to evoke visceral sensations of presence and place, address social and political issues, and promote meaningful changes in both individuals and communities. We will focus on how VR can foster empathy for others by simulating their experiences and realities, and connect us to people’s lives that we may never have otherwise imagined.”
Current Course | SPRING SEMESTER 2026
Digital Dev: Generative Storytelling
“This course immerses students in the convergence of cinema, art and technology, exploring how Generative Artificial Intelligence workflows combined with cinematography, sound design, VFX, and virtual production redefine cinematic storytelling. Students will explore the work of award-winning artists and international innovators crafting immersive immersive art & cinematic storytelling for location-based experiences, extended reality, and hybrid or digital twin metaverses. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, creative experimentation, and the integration of diverse media to craft engaging, immersive and interactive experiences for a global audience. The course aims to equip students with the skills to pioneer new forms of experimental narrative art, using breakthrough AI technologies and custom workflows.”
Teaching Experience | 2000-2025
Helping students shape and nurture their creative practices
As a designer and technology executive (CEO, Medical Avatar; Chief Digital Officer, HGS; Managing Partner, Gartner), Virgil Wong is a practitioner with decades of experience creating innovative and impactful digital solutions.
Based on his training at The Rhode Island School of Design and doctoral research at Columbia University’s Teachers College (Cognitive Studies in Education and Intelligent Technologies), he teaches every course with the optimal scaffolding, flexibility, and workload to help students achieve their objectives.
“Virgil is one of the most valued part-time faculty members.
I can think of few others so committed to their work and the growth and success of his students.”
Dawnja Burris
Emeritus Professor (current), Associate Dean (2016-2021), and Associate Chair (2001-2011), Parsons School of Design
“The instructor—himself a well-known media artist and designer—is very well-informed of current developments in technology.”
“At the same time, the instructor continually brings this emphasis on the contemporary back to the key concepts that the class has gone over, as well as bringing in a historical perspective.”
Eugene Thacker, PhD
Professor of Media Studies (current), Parsons School of Design; Author of In the Dust of This Planet and Infinite Resignation.
“Virgil Wong has a clear, well-organized approach to teaching.”
“His goal, to have students use media as an investigative tool, clearly yielded excellent results.”
Diane Mitchell
Associate Professor, Media Studies (1991-present), Parsons School of Design
Top Evaluation Scores
Students rated Virgil Wong with top scores in all 48 courses he has taught so far at The New School (Fall 2000—Spring 2025).
The chart below displays the average score for each primary evaluation criterion:
- Positive learning experience
- Teaching effectiveness
- Overall rating
Students evaluated each course on a scale of 1 to 5 across multiple areas:
| Score | Positive Learning | Teaching Effectiveness | Overall Rating |
| 5 | Strongly agree | Very effective | Excellent |
| 4 | Agree | Effective | Good |
| 3 | Neither | Neither | Neither |
| 2 | Disagree | Ineffective | Poor |
| 1 | Strongly disagree | Very ineffective | Very poor |
EVALUATIONKIT COURSE RATINGS FOR VIRGIL WONG
All available evaluations have been included. Please note that regular course evaluations were not administered in Spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data before Fall 2011 is not available on Watermark/EvaluationKIT.
Download Evaluations with Student Comments
Please note that Watermark/EvaluationKIT lists both faculty members and course assistants as instructors. Students submit all surveys anonymously.
| Years | Semesters and Sections |
| 2011 | FALL |
| 2012 | SPRING | FALL |
| 2013 | SPRING | FALL |
| 2014 | SPRING | FALL SECTION F | FALL SECTION L |
| 2015 | SPRING | FALL SECTION F | FALL SECTION L |
| 2016 | SPRING | FALL SECTION F | FALL SECTION L |
| 2017 | SPRING | FALL |
| 2018 | SPRING | FALL |
| 2019 | SPRING | FALL |
| 2020 | FALL |
| 2021 | SPRING |
| 2022 | SPRING |
| 2024 | SPRING |
| 2025 | SPRING |
Student Testimonials
Student Projects
Bianca Amato, Jasmin Liang, Ilona Shcherbakova
Bianca, Jasmin, and Ilona developed a brand and business model for Wanderbox, a food-subscription service that delivers curated international snacks to homes and offices.
Course: Digital Experience Design
Marcos Echeverria Ortiz
Marcos created an AR app to explore the stories behind one of the most iconic albums in the history of Salsa, Fania All-Star Live at The Cheetah Club in NYC.
Course: Immersive Narrative in VR/AR
Amy Kohn
Amy’s project on Christian courtship became a feature-length documentary that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Course: Media Practices: Design
Helen Poon
Helen designed a mobile app for neighbors to upcycle, share resources, support each other, and stay connected as a community.
Course: Digital Experience Design
June Foley
June created a virtual island for her environmental storytelling project and interactive game that explores the ocean.
Course: Immersive Narrative in VR/AR
Amber Hurwitz
Amber produced a multi-channel composite video for her song, “To One In Paradise,” based on the poem by Edgar Allan Poe.
Course: Media Design
