Virtual reality as learning tool discussed at UN conference in Addis Ababa

The UN Economic Commission for Africa, in association with the Ethiopian Ministry of Capacity Building, recently hosted the first eLearning Africa conference, in Addis Ababa.

The conference, held at the UN ECA Conference Centre, from the 24th to the 26th of May 2006, brought together more than 230 international ICT experts from across the globe to present on technology-enhanced education and training ideas, concepts, tools, pedagogy, development and delivery. The conference provided an unparalleled platform for exchanges, discourse, networking; and this first conference is set to become an annual event - aimed at building e-learning capacities in Africa.

Dave Lockwood, of the Naledi3d Factory, Paul Hector of UNESCO (who's financial support is also gratefully acknowledged), and Dr Bob Day from Non-Zero-Sum Development, gave a joint presentation as part of the African eLearning Showcase session. Chaired by Dr Michelle Selinger of CISCO Systems Worldwide Corporate Affairs, the session took the format of six brief presentations on various learning tools, followed by each of the presenters manning a side exhibition, affording participants an opportunity to take a closer look at the learning innovations on display.

The Interactive3d Learning Objects and Water presentation covered recent work undertaken on the theme of "water" for the UNESCO Virtual Multimedia Academy (a collaborative project with teams from Senegal, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique and the Naledi3d factory in South Africa), as well as a overview of the Interactive3d Learning Object concept.

The overwhelming response - the demonstration stand was, quite literally, swamped - showed that the innovative and revolutionary nature of Interactive3d Learning Objects as a powerful new learning concept is capturing the imagination of education and training specialists. Many of those present were interested in obtaining and using content, while several organisations (from Tanzania, Ghana, Zambia, Somalia and Kenya) also expressed an interest in collaborating on the translation of Interactive3d Learning Object material for use locally.

Another exciting development was that for the first time, the concept of the Interactive3d Learning Object may soon be launching from Africa's shores. A group from the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific are also very excited about the possibility of translating existing objects into the 82 South Pacific island languages, starting with Polynesian.

The tremendous response from experts in the field proves that Interactive3d Learning Objects are starting to hit the mark. The time and effort spent in developing this concept has been well worth the effort and we believe it is becoming poised to revolutionise education and training in the developing world - and beyond.

For further details contact Dave Lockwood at (012) 844 1010 or visit the Naledi3d Factory website.

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