Why Empower Kids and Teachers in Climate Change Education Through VR and AI?
Focusing on both kids and teachers is essential because they represent the future of education and societal change. Kids, as the next generation, are naturally curious and open to learning, making them ideal candidates to develop sustainable habits early on. Engaging them with immersive technologies like VR can make complex topics like climate change more tangible and relevant, fostering empathy and critical thinking. On the other hand, teachers play a crucial role as facilitators and role models in the classroom. By empowering educators with innovative tools such as VR and AI, we equip them with the skills to inspire positive actions in their students. Together, by addressing both groups, we create a dynamic learning environment where children are motivated to take action, and teachers are confident in leading the way toward a sustainable future.
Main Activities
Justin Beaver main activities focus on inspiring and empowering educators and students through the use of immersive technologies. Our goal is to promote empathy, respect, awareness, and curiosity about the planet by providing comprehensive training on how to effectively use virtual reality (VR) to teach climate change and sustainability.
Hope-Based Learning
Through the Justin Beaver Project, we aim to empower educators by offering innovative training in the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for climate change and sustainability education. We have developed a Hope-Based Learning methodology, which enables teachers to inspire positive actions in their students. Our activities include hands-on workshops, the creation of a digital activity book, and transnational training sessions in collaboration with our partner institutions.
Activity Book
Each level of the VR experience is accompanied by an activity book, which provides teachers with instructions for activities that they can do with their students. These activities include initiatives to raise awareness such as promoting the use of reusable materials (cups, jars, clothing), recycling, and highlighting the impact of waste on animals, nature, and climate change. Through these kits and workshops, we aim to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a sustainable mindset among students.
We use a Hope-Based Learning methodology to engage students in meaningful and positive actions. Along with the training, we provide a manual filled with practical educational activities for both primary and secondary classrooms, integrating VR and AI into the learning experience.