EDUCATION AND THE VIRTUAL WORLD
This past year several youth working through avatars participated in a project in the virtual world
of Second Life. The project transported the youth through time to experience on three private
virtual islands the past, present and future.
ISLAND TWO | BOYLE STREET
ISLAND THREE | URBAN HOPE
This island represents pre contact Alberta (approximately mid 1700s) where youth, after
some time on the island, enter a wormhole to experience the impact of colonization,
residential schools and the "Sixties Scoop" on Canada's Indigenous population.
This island represents the present. The challenge for the youth is to overcome the
barriers they face in the inner city, realize that education is the key and make their way
to the future on the Island of Urban Hope.
Island three offers a hopeful future for those who overcome the barriers of the inner
city. Virtual representations of Edmonton's post-secondary institutions are represented.
Inside each virtual building are posters of careers associated with each institution. When
the youth on a career search run the mouse over the poster a note appears listing the
educational requirements of the particular career, the level of education, the activities of an
average day and the average wage.
ISLAND ONE | NEGAN TAPEH
Helping Youth Help Themselves
ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017
Programs Offered 11