Posted October 2009 Students discuss world's problems in virtual reality
		A group of Queensland students is working on ways to make the world a better and safer place for all. Inspired by the 'Year for Creativity', the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences built a utopian world requiring students to use new technologies and their creativity to solve social and environment issues. 'It was a great learning opportunity for all the children involved and what they developed was absolutely amazing,' said teacher Lissa Hodson.

'They worked extremely well together and really thought about what they believed would create an ideal world.'

Led by 15 Year 10 academy students studying Theory for Knowledge, the project focussed on the Towards Q2 themes of green, smart, healthy, strong and fair.

Creating customised avatars of themselves all 150 of the participating students entered the world's 'Brain Sanctuary' and used virtual message boards to communicate their ideas for the project.

Following this stage the students were given the go-ahead to start creating.

'The message board was a great collaborative space and gave everyone the chance to discuss the reasoning behind their vision,' said Ms Hodson.

'When one student participating in the green challenge built an airport it prompted other students to question if this mode of transport was necessary, and suggest alternatives.'

Aged from 10–16 years, the students participated in just one of the five themes and created their world based on what the area’s social and environmental problems were.

'Children involved in the Smart challenge built a language centre that developed cultural experiences using images, sounds and videos,' said Ms Hodson.

'As a part of the Strong area they built a system of government and ways of maintaining transport infrastructure.

Overseeing the project Ms Hodson said she was very happy with the results and the various learning opportunities that came with it.

'It was interesting from my perspective to look at how different students from different schools went about the work – was all to do with the teacher's pedagogy.

'At the end of the day however, each creation was a perfect example of effective collaboration.

'It was great to see students owning the process and mentoring their peers through the challenge.'