"To understand history, to love history, to appreciate all its meaning and nuances, we must see into it. We must look into history through our own mind’s eye.”
Welcome to the Islands of Enlightenment
The Islands of Enlightenment Project is a virtual world hosted at the Western New York Regional Information Center (WNYRIC) and available to districts in Western New York. These "virtual" islands are computer based environments that allow students to interact using avatars. These avatars can walk, run, and in some cases even fly across the various islands. Yet more importantly, these avatars are to be used for educational endeavors. Students can work together or individually to learn about almost all content areas from history to science. The idea behind these projects is for students to learn in a new and creative way that promotes higher order thinking and in no way detracts from it.
Schools in the WNYRIC Coser may access this upon request. (See Contact Information Tab for whom to contact)
Teachers will receive 2 full days of curriculum and technology training to understand how virtual environments work, and why they are effective for student learning.
Then our staff will help the teacher implement the program in their school and be able to manage student created content.
As of now we have several offerings for Schools
Schools in the WNYRIC Coser may access this upon request. (See Contact Information Tab for whom to contact)
Teachers will receive 2 full days of curriculum and technology training to understand how virtual environments work, and why they are effective for student learning.
Then our staff will help the teacher implement the program in their school and be able to manage student created content.
As of now we have several offerings for Schools
- The Understanding the Holocaust Project- Companion project to The Diary of a Young Girl: Anne Frank
- The Heir of the King- A Medieval Roleplay
- The Artist, The Architect- Students will develop their own virtual works of Art or Architecture.
- Teacher Gaming Academy- Teachers will develop their own Video Game for their students.