Naledi3D does it again!
Education in Africa benefits from virtual reality
The visually interactive nature of virtual reality (VR) is increasingly proving to be a highly practical and effective communication medium in education. The ability to see concepts and interact with the computer model helps students overcome barriers caused by text that may be difficult to read or understand, especially if it is in a learner's 2nd or 3rd language.
The Naledi3d Factory, one of the client companies in the Hub's Business Incubator, and the International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA) recently held a workshop to look at the potential for the application of VR in education across Africa.
The Naledi3d Factory specialises in the development of interactive VR content in a number of areas. The IICBA is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and is largely funded by UNESCO. The Institute facilitates the co-ordination of teacher-training colleges in ten member states and is headed by Dr Fay Chung, ex-Minister of Education in Zimbabwe.
Eight delegates, including Dr Chung, attended from three IICBA member states: Ethiopia, Nigeria and Uganda. The Ugandan delegates represented three Universities, schools as well as SchoolNet in Uganda.
A week's deliberations included looking at ways of applying VR in education in developing countries, and provided workshop delegates with the opportunity for hands-on experience of the underlying technologies.
The potential for visual, interactive learning as an effective and practical communication medium in education became apparent. The recent workshop will be followed by a workshop in Ethiopia towards the middle of the year, and will include a one-day overview for decision makers, including Ministers, Vice-Chancellors and company directors. The next step is to find resources to create VR competence and skills in other African countries to support the education sectors in those countries, such as Ethiopia, Mozambique, Senegal and Sudan.
Over the last 15 months the Naledi3d Factory, supported by UNESCO, has also worked with Uganda on a successful VR technology transfer programme. The private sector in Uganda is now looking at ways of becoming involved in the programme, as is the Makerere University.
"As the success in Uganda grows, we aim to replicate this capacity in a number of other African countries - and, also to find a way to share developed content for the benefit of all," says Managing Director, Dave Lockwood.
| The Naledi3D Factory team: (seated front from left) Lawrence Ssenkubuge, Miemie Mthimunye, (seated middle from left) Johan Bouwer, Lungile Nkuna, Tebogo Pelo, (top from left) Bernd Oellermann, Dave Lockwood. |
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