“From the prairies of Saskatchewan to the global stage at the United Nations, two graduate students from the University of Saskatchewan embarked on a journey they never anticipated. Kristin Moskalyk and Nicole Lamoureux, with no prior experience in designing virtual worlds, set out to tackle one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) through the creation of a metaverse. Little did they know that their passion and hard work would lead them to win a prestigious competition and present their project at the UN.
Empathy in a Landlocked Province
Choosing to focus on SDG 14: Life Below Water, Moskalyk and Lamoureux aimed to bridge the gap between landlocked provinces and the oceans, seas, and marine resources they seek to conserve. As former teachers, their goal was to spark empathy and understanding among students who may have never seen or experienced the ocean firsthand. Their innovative approach emphasized the importance of engaging students in meaningful ways to drive support for sustainable development goals.
Building a Virtual World for Learning
Using the user-friendly platform Frame VR, the duo seamlessly integrated educational content into their metaverse. By creating tasks, games, and videos within the virtual world, they aimed to provide immersive learning experiences for users. Their project not only showcased creativity but also highlighted the potential of virtual reality in education.
A Journey to the UN
After completing their project, Moskalyk and Lamoureux were encouraged to enter a global competition focused on metaverses for sustainable development goals. Their team, named Techy Teachers, stood out among hundreds of applicants from around the world. Their success as finalists and the opportunity to present their metaverse at the UN’s Science Technology and Innovation Forum were a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Impacting Education and Beyond
The reception of their metaverse at the UN was overwhelmingly positive, with delegates expressing excitement about the potential for immersive learning experiences. Moskalyk hopes to see their resource utilized in classrooms and aims to provide more VR headsets to schools. Their journey serves as an inspiration for educators and innovators looking to leverage technology for social impact.
In a world filled with pressing challenges, the work of Moskalyk and Lamoureux reminds us of the power of creativity, empathy, and innovation in driving positive change. As we navigate complex issues like sustainability, their story serves as a reminder that small ideas can lead to big impacts, especially when fueled by passion and perseverance. The journey from a final project to a global presentation at the UN is a testament to the transformative potential of education and technology when combined with a shared vision for a better world.”
Reference
