Combining children’s imagination and technology
Reading has many benefits:
- it stimulates imagination,
- it facilitates communication,
- enriches vocabulary,
- it increases sensitivity and general knowledge.
Not only does it positively influence children’s development, but it also helps them better understand the world around them.
Neuropsychologist Dr. David Lewis has also proven that just 6 minutes of reading reduces stress levels by 60%. Besides, it is a great way to get bored. So, it is worth arousing passion for books in children from the youngest age.
You can read about what makes young people reach for books in our next post: First the game, then the book
The STORIES project team came up with an innovative idea to increase children’s interest in books. The team combined:
- creating interactive texts by children,
- publishing their work as e-books
- and asking them to describe their vision of life in space.
By integrating the latest advances in augmented reality and virtual reality technologies and 3D printing, the STORIES project offers children the chance to create “multi-track” books themselves, giving them room to use their imagination and creativity.
The case study conducted as part of the project involved creating scenarios and videography depicting the life of the first Martian community.
First, students participated in an activity from which they learned more about the challenges of living in such a hostile environment. Next, they split into small groups where they made their designs from commonly available materials such as cardboard or paper cups. The next task was more advanced – the students had to transfer their creations into virtual 3D models.
The final stage was to recreate a story using a proprietary virtual and augmented reality tool available on the STORIES project platform.
Using an easy-to-use and advanced interface that gives creators more options, students were able to transform their models into digital models and integrate text, video animations, and music. Stories and models can be combined into virtual books that can be accessed from any device and operating system.
The STORIES project team believes that enabling students to create virtual reality worlds as part of the so-called project method used in classroom instruction, and finding new uses for the technology, will truly drive change in education.
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