With the goal of challenging the next generation to solve the world’s greatest sustainability problems, Curtin University has launched an innovative game-based learning program.
According to a recent report, Balance of the Planet will deliver online tools aimed at developing creativity, leadership and problem-solving skills among teenagers across the world.
The game, targeted for students and staff across the globe, is co-sponsored by the University and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Chair of Data Science in Higher Education Learning and Teaching.
According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor of the University, Balance of the Planet would teach students about tackling real-world sustainability issues in an interactive and fun way.
The brightest young minds will be encouraged to identify the potential solutions that will guarantee the sustainable development of the world in this team problem-solving challenge.
This game is a perfect example of how innovation can be used in order to engage the next generation.
Launching the game at Curtin Mauritius is the University’s method to find new ways that will inspire the pursuit of education in future innovators across the University’s four international campuses.
The program was launched at a presentation to hundreds of Australian and Mauritian high school students at the ‘It’s Our Future Earth Conference’.
During game play, the students would be tasked with creating a solution for a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of their choice.
SDG choices range from poverty and hunger to gender equality and climate change.
Sustainable Development Goals, otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
The program has a high level of interactivity that allows staff to use real-time analytics in order to provide the appropriate support to students, making it easier for them to remain engaged and progress their learning.
Since the game has already been launched internationally, students and staff all over the world will now be able to develop their knowledge and skills while helping to address some of society’s most pressing issues.
The new program was presented at the conference, which aims to cover a broad range of key innovations in science and other STEM fields that focus on achieving a sustainable ‘Future Earth’.
Balance of the Planet was created using the University’s unique Challenge learning platform, developed by the University’s Learning Futures team, and utilises Cisco’s WebEx Teams for global collaboration.
Curtin Challenge was recognised at the 2018 Curtinnovation Awards for being a unique online learning platform, which combines educational, organisational and assessment functions with self-directed team and individual learning.