Many people argue that learning should be fun and engrossing.
In this project modern technologies of Internet communications and
computer games will be combined with educational theories to
create a learning environment where young South Africans can
explore our rich and diverse culture and history. They will also
learn about the relationships between science, arts and
humanities. In this virtual space players navigate through
computer generated landscapes and communicate with other players
using chat, audio (virtual telephone) or video-conferencing
sessions to solve the puzzles built into the system and thereby
learn about each other.
The learning space will include an inner city and many
different exploratory spaces. In the inner city players, linked
via the Internet, will be able to interact with each other and
learn about democracy. In the exploratory spaces player will
explore different facets of our history and culture to solve
problems related to the birthplace of humanity, farming, seeing
sound (writing), the origins of power (steam and electricity),
disease and epidemics and the communication revolution.
The project attempts to enlighten, entertain and develop skills
in young South Africans, evaluate the use of virtual spaces as
viable educational tools, develop advanced software, foster
collaborative research, and educate postgraduate students in the
methodologies of education and game design.