Virtual Reality Films with InSight 360 at Sask Polytechnic Nov. 15-18 – Moose Jaw Today

The Saskatchewan Council for International Co-operation (SCIC) Insight 360 tours shows documentary films providing insight on global community

The Saskatchewan Council for International Co-operation (SCIC) has been touring with their Insight 360, a virtual reality project showing impressive documentary films at Moose Jaw Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus taking place from November 15th to 18th.  

“This is a 360-degree virtual video cylinder that’s travelling across the provinces,” Education Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation Kimberley Hartwig said. “It’s meant to bring stories of global life to meet global development to life.”

SCIC is touring with this project within Canada and stopping at Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

“We welcome the InSight 360 project on the Moose Jaw campus as part of International Education Week,” Sask Polytech International Education Manager Zoe Zhou said. “This immersive, educational experience provides students and employees insight into international topics, individuals’ unique stories and what it means to be a global citizen.”

Insight 360 is a project organized by the SCIC. The project consists of a 360° video cylinder with projections of humanitarian documentaries from the United Nations consisting of their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These movies are based on climate action, gender inequalities, responsible consumption, zero hunger, peace, justice and strong institutions, life on land and good health & well-being. This interactive video installation combines modern technology to give its attendees a unique experience.

“It’s an interesting new technology that a lot of students wouldn’t have experienced before,” Hartwig said. “I think it’s just a way to engage with people and students with the subject matter.”

Only four films A World Wonder, Clouds Over Sidra, Two Drops of Patience, and Samuel’s Fairtrade story are being shown in this innovative and immersive educational experience. These four films are from Jordan, Kenya, Uganda and Senegal. After the films, a workshop accompanied by volunteers will be held to make the learning experience more interactive. The idea behind these workshops is to make the attendees understand the humane perspective so that the learning experiences can be translated in their lives.

Hartwig also said UN SDGs are interrelated and have influenced the residents of Saskatchewan as well. Sometimes particular gender roles can be identified as gender inequalities. Refugees and migrants are quite common in Canada. Like the girl from Syria in the documentary, there are many Ukrainians, Iraqi, or Afghani people coming to our community to settle down. “I think seeing those videos really helps them better understand, like the path that some migrants and refugees take to get here.”

Through this impressive experience of curated films from the UN, InSight 360 wants to build empathy among students and the Moose Jaw community.
Currently, InSight 360 has installed their 360 virtual reality cylinder on the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Moose Jaw Campus. They are here from Nov. 15 to Nov. 18. To explore this exceptional experience, book your class immediately by contacting [email protected]