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CYENS Centre of Excellence is a leading Research and Innovation hub specializing in Interactive Media, Smart Systems, and Emerging Technologies. As the only organization in Cyprus dedicated to immersive technologies, it plays a vital role in advancing knowledge and facilitating technology transfer across the region. This Centre is the result of a unique collaboration between three public universities—the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology.

Lionfish E+ is coming to an end!

Date

24th September 2024

Location

Kansas City, Missouri, USA.

For the closing of the project we are celebrating by presenting the experience and findings of the study at the AECT 2024 International Convention taking place in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.

The innovation of our Lionfish E+ project [2023 – 2024, KA210-SCH-2023-004] concerns the intersection of 360VR viewing with working on STEAM activities (Lego Mindstorms EV3, BBC micro: bits, 3D pens) and visualization tools. In this E+ project, the EdMedia group of CYENS developed a manual for learning and teaching built around a 360VR film, STEAM, and visual thinking activities. The Learning & Teaching Manual resulting from the project can be found at HERE

We furthermore conducted pilot studies with more than 80 students aged 12-16 who visited the Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education – CYCERE in March 2024. The learning scientists from EdMedia in collaboration with the environmentalist of CYCERE, engaged students in thinking about climate change.

First, immersed in the “End of the Line” 360VR film, the students were transported to a climate hotspot, a coast in Cyprus, where the new region’s lionfish species is spreading out, putting in danger the local ecosystem and the fishermen’s craftsmanship.

Second, the students were involved in thinking about possible solutions to tackle the spread of lionfish as well as climate change in general e.g., robotics for clearing the oceans from this invasive species using STEAM activities and visual thinking tools. In this way, they had the opportunity to gain an immersive experience and enhance their creative thinking and problem-solving skills, while fostering empathy and creativity.

Special thanks to the students and teaching staff of Gymnasio Episkopis, Lykeio Agias Fylakseos, Gymnasio Agias Fylakseos, and Gymnasio Kalogeropoulou, for their active participation and enthusiasm, as well to our collaborators at Κυκπεε for their valuable insights and support.

The 360VR film “End of the Line” was created by Fox Media Film and is available to watch on YouTube

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