PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES – Ateneo de Manila University’s (ADMU) Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (VAMR) Laboratory participated in DOST’s 2024 National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF) last September 18 to 21, 2024 held at The Forum Tent, Philippine International Convention Center located in Pasay City.
This was the second year of NYSTIF and it had the theme “STEM VIBE: Engaging the Youth in Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities.” Its main aim was to enhance the youth’s appreciation and awareness of science, technology, and innovation in a way that is vibrant, innovative, brilliant, and engaging (VIBE)[1].
Rei Paras (right-most), VAMR’s student assistant is seen explaining the VR game to the participants.
For this event, the VAMR Laboratory exhibited its ongoing project entitled “A Laboratory and Game Engine/Framework for Tertiary-Level Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Educational Applications.” The project, funded by DOST-PCIEERD, aims to establish a VAMR Laboratory and Software Development Group for the ADMU Loyola Schools Campus. The general objective of this project is to promote, develop, and normalize the usage of VAMR technology in Philippine universities, with the goal of formally integrating immersive learning experiences into the tertiary education curriculum.
The first proof-of-concept VR game of the laboratory, which was presented in NYSTIF, is an escape room set in the Villa Escudero Museum, an actual museum found in Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines.
Alvaro Pato (left-most, one of the main developers) and Kai Delos Lado(right-most, a student assistant) guided participants through the demo of the VR game.
In the Villa Escudero Museum VR game, players can immerse themselves in the environment of the Villa Escudero Museum and have a close look into the Escudero family’s museum collection in 3D while also solving escape room puzzles. Aside from learning about history, culture and art, players will also hone their practical, logical and creative thinking skills as they unlock and solve challenges in the escape rooms.
Rei Paras (left, student assistant) is seen guiding a participant on the use of the VR equipment.
Gerick Go (left, one of the main developers) is seen guiding a participant through the demo of the VR game.
Almost 280 student attendees and faculty were able to try out the demo of the VR game throughout the 4-day event, and many have expressed their interest and enjoyment of the game and the VR experience in general. The Villa Escudero Museum VR Game is still in development and more changes will be implemented to further improve the experience of the users playing the game.
Aside from the Escape Room VR game by the VAMR Laboratory, other general categories found in the exhibit include Opportunities for the Youth, Providing Solutions for Quality Education, Providing Solutions for Economic Growth, and Planetarium.
References:
[1] Parel, R. P., Jr. (2024, August 15). 2024 NYSTIF: DOST brings back youth science fest to promote STEM careers. DOST-STII. https://stii.dost.gov.ph/1918-2024-nystif-dost-brings-back-youth-science-fest-to-promote-stem-careers?fbclid=IwY2xjawFwPwtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHb-mzV2KQr5GXCO_5l2unSJK7_vAyPvY9EmVbZjcx0nD7h_J42oaXnRhKg_aem_JbgMN3jfHNJaylzQnmSXOg
