Two graduate students at the University of Saskatchewan developed a virtual reality project aimed at teaching people in the Prairies about the oceans and sustainability. Kristin Moskalyk and Nicole Lamoureux created the project as a way to educate students who are landlocked and may have never been to the ocean. The project was presented at the United Nations Science, Technology and Innovation Forum, where they were known as the “techy teachers.” They met with UN delegates in their virtual world to showcase their creation and finished as finalists in a competition, placing in the top 15 out of 257 groups. Paula MacDowell, an assistant professor of curriculum studies, praised the project for its use of technology in a meaningful way and its ability to engage students in learning about global citizenship.
The virtual reality metaverse created by Moskalyk and Lamoureux allows students to experience issues related to plastic pollution, marine life, and sustainability. MacDowell hopes that more teachers and students will take advantage of the opportunities provided by various media, technology, and AI content creation tools to learn about important topics. She emphasizes the importance of using technology to connect people and learn about each other. Moskalyk encourages teachers to utilize the resource through Frame VR online in their classrooms and advocates for the provision of more virtual reality headsets in schools. She believes that it is crucial for educators to be innovative in their approaches and create engaging learning opportunities for students.
The project aims to bridge the gap between students in landlocked areas and the ocean, helping them understand their impact on marine life and the environment. Moskalyk and Lamoureux’s virtual reality platform offers a unique learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom methods. MacDowell commends the high level of student engagement provided by the project, allowing students to explore what it means to be a global citizen. The use of technology in this way is seen as an effective tool for educating individuals about sustainability and environmental issues.
The project’s focus on sustainability and ocean conservation is significant, particularly for students who may not have access to ocean environments in their daily lives. The virtual reality experience allows students to immerse themselves in scenarios related to marine life and environmental challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of these issues. MacDowell highlights the importance of leveraging technology for positive educational purposes and encourages the use of digital tools to facilitate learning and connection among students. The project serves as a model for innovative teaching methods that engage students and promote a sense of global awareness and responsibility.
Moskalyk and Lamoureux’s project highlights the potential of technology to enhance education and create impactful learning experiences. By leveraging virtual reality and other digital tools, they have created a platform that immerses students in important issues such as plastic pollution and sustainability. The project’s recognition at the United Nations forum demonstrates the value of using innovative approaches to education to foster global citizenship and environmental stewardship. Moving forward, it is hoped that more educators will embrace similar initiatives to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges.
