The Naledi3d Factory participates in a UNESCO-funded Pan-African water project
One of The Innovation Hub tenants, the Naledi3d Factory, was recently invited to join a
UNESCO Pan-African team as the South African representative, to create multi-media content that visually demonstrates a number of water-related concepts to people living in rural areas.
Under the auspices of the pan-African Virtual Multimedia Academy (VMA), the team has been tasked to create learning content using virtual reality (VR) and in particular, Naledi3d's newly developed "Interactive 3d Learning Object" concept. The team consists of representatives from Ethiopia, Senegal, Sudan, Mozambique and South Africa.
The aim is to use the power of VR simulations to educate people in rural areas about issues relating to the responsible use of water and sanitation. The issues addressed through VR by the Naledi3d Factory in this project include building a pit-latrine, and demonstrating the principles of hydroelectric power generation and the mechanisms of a hand-pump.
In rural areas, flush toilets are often not an option due to the demands on local water supply. A pit latrine is a suitable alternative that provides satisfactory and acceptable sanitation. With the necessary guidelines and a little technical help, families can cost-effectively and successfully build their own latrines.
The VR-based pit latrine model visually demonstrates how to build such a structure, and shows the differences between this design and others. In addition, the VR model provides a step-by-step guide for prospective users to build a virtual structure by clicking on the different components. The simulated 3D environment gives visual and audio feedback on every step - from "virtually" digging a pit, adding the slab and building the structure to constructing the all-important ventilation system.
Showing the generation of hydroelectric power (HEP) was prompted by a need in Senegal. Farmers downstream from a proposed dam were fearful that their water supply would be reduced and that the scheme would use water to generate electricity in the same way that coal or oil is consumed.
The VR simulation also demonstrates the general principles of micro hydroelectric power schemes (which in themselves can be a powerful source of electricity provision in rural areas); shows how hydroelectric power is generated and how a pump storage system works. Most importantly, the VR model shows that water is not lost to downstream users.
The Naledi3d Factory has used the "Interactive 3d Learning Object" concept to create a new, very powerful VR learning tool that can be used in general education, as well as in life skills training. One of its most outstanding features lies in the ability for any user to change the language elements (both text and audio) themselves.
This UNESCO project and the "3d Interactive Learning Objects" that are emerging, have once again demonstrated the versatility and power of VR as a visual communication tool that successfully bridges language and literacy barriers in the developing areas of the world.
"This concept - that VR can make a huge difference to people in developing communities -has been one of the drivers for the Naledi3d Factory since joining The Innovation Hub as a tenant over four years ago", says Lockwood.
For more information contact Dave Lockwood on 082 894 3178 / 012 844 1010 or visit the Naledi3d Factory website.
[Back to top]
Next
|
This month's highlights
