Georgian College Partnerships Integrate Indigenous VR Learning
Georgian College has recently formed partnerships with the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies to integrate virtual reality (VR) technology into the curriculum. These partnerships aim to provide students in Ontario and Saskatchewan with the opportunity to explore Indigenous language and cultures through immersive learning experiences. By signing memorandums of alliance with Georgian College, the SCDSB, and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies will allow their students access to the college’s VR worlds, which delve into various aspects of Indigenous language and culture.
Expanding Access to Indigenous Language VR Education
The partnerships with the SCDSB and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies are part of an effort to offer a new teaching tool to facilitate the learning of Indigenous language, cultures, and treaties. These initiatives align with the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, which emphasize the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages. By integrating VR technology into the curriculum, Georgian College aims to make Indigenous languages and cultures more accessible to a wider audience and create innovative virtual worlds for language learning.
Innovative VR Program Promotes Indigenous Language Revitalization
Georgian College’s Indigenous Studies coordinator and virtual reality educator, Michele O’Brien, expressed excitement about collaborating with educational partners to make Indigenous languages and cultures more accessible. O’Brien described the creation of VR worlds and the teaching of Indigenous languages within them as a “labour of love.” The goal of these initiatives is not only to teach language but also to convey Indigenous teachings and cultural significance through interactive and engaging virtual experiences. VR worlds developed by Georgian College feature elements such as the Medicine Wheel, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture.
Elementary Schools to Pilot Indigenous VR Learning Program
The Simcoe County District School Board’s Indigenous education department has taken the lead in partnering with Georgian College. Some Ojibwe language teachers within the board have already begun training on how to utilize the VR technology and headsets. The programming will initially be introduced to Grade 1 to 8 students at Lions Oval and Regent Park public schools in Orillia. The SCDSB plans to expand the program to high schools in the future, providing more students with the opportunity to experience Indigenous language VR education.
Success of Indigenous Language VR Education Recognized with Awards
Georgian College’s efforts to preserve and revitalize the Anishnaabemowin language through VR education have received significant recognition. The college was awarded gold in the category of Indigenous Education at the 2023 World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics’ Awards of Excellence. Additionally, the team responsible for the development of these VR worlds received the 2022 Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Award of Excellence in the category of Future Proofing students. The success of Indigenous language VR education can be attributed to the dedication and expertise of professionals like Michele O’Brien and Angeline King, who have been invited to various media platforms to discuss their innovative teaching strategies.
In conclusion, Georgian College’s partnerships with the SCDSB and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies mark a significant step towards integrating Indigenous language and cultural education into school curriculums using VR technology. By offering immersive learning experiences, these initiatives aim to promote the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages, while also providing students with a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures. The success of these programs has garnered accolades and recognition for Georgian College, further establishing it as a leader in Indigenous education and virtual reality integration.
Analyst comment
Positive news. Market analysts suggest that with the integration of VR technology into the curriculum, Georgian College’s partnerships with the SCDSB and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies will lead to increased accessibility of Indigenous language and culture education. This innovative approach is expected to support the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures. The success and recognition received by Georgian College further solidify its position as a leader in Indigenous education and VR integration.
