22 November 2007

iTrek

iTrek a project I was involved with at Computer ClubHouse when in Dublin last year. This idea was run as part of the summer program for the children in the area. This Carbon Conscience program got the kids out exploring the city in an educational and creative way. Trek is a physical and mental challenge taking place both virtually and in reality across Dublin city and countryside. The activity has been organised by SWICN Computer Clubhouse and The Digital Hub Learning Initiative. The gauntlet has been thrown down to 16 young people who will form 4 opposing team. Each team faces the task of completing three missions before taking part in the away mission for the Final Countdown mission.

The challenge is to help prevent environmental disaster through gathering evidence and building up knowledge skills. Technology will play an essential part of the challenge, facilitating faster communication and sophisticated transfer of information. Each mission will focus on a particular aspect of humanity’s impact on the environment.
The teams will work against the clock on many tasks but must remember that speed is balanced against their need to reduce their carbon footprint. The first three missions will take place across the city centre in various locations. The Final Countdown will be an away mission which will take place on Larch Hill. An fully interactive website has been created to facilitate this project. The teams will use this website to co-ordinate tasks for the day and document their success.

Each player will set up a personal profile with an Eco Hero avator and teams will upload photos, video status reports and mission evidence. This will ensure that all the teams have access to the whole iTrek experience during and after the event, in addition to allowing parents and supporters to pay tribute to their success. The winners of the overall challenge will have the opportunity to take part in a summer course where the iTrek story will be transformed into a video game. This game will become the crowning glory of the project.

No comments: