Discovery City
Readying WeMindTheGap's Gappies For The Real World, Virtually
Navigating life
Imagine being 16, 18, or even 24, at a crossroads in life, perhaps unsure of your next step, or lacking the confidence and skills to take it. For many young people, particularly those facing disadvantage, the path to independence and fulfilling employment can feel like an impossible maze.
This was the profound challenge that Welsh charity WeMindTheGap sought to address. Having already made strides with our previous collaboration, "Discovery Village," an online portal offering 24/7 support, they envisioned an even more immersive and engaging experience: Discovery City. Their goal was ambitious yet vital: to create a gamified, co-created digital world where young people could learn crucial life and employability skills, grow, and connect, anytime, anywhere.
WeMindTheGap partnered with adaptiVLE to bring this bold vision to life, and the result is Discovery City, an innovative online platform designed specifically for 16-24 year olds. This isn't just another e-learning course; it's a vibrant, virtual metropolis powered by the latest AI avatar technology.
Here, young people – affectionately known as "Gappies" by WeMindTheGap – can explore, get a job, earn virtual money, and even uncover mysteries, all while learning essential life lessons. Recognising the need to reach an even younger audience, a spin-off called Discovery Mall offers a tailored experience for 11-15 year olds.
A city of opportunity
Guiding the way
As learners journey through Discovery City, they encounter a diverse cast of characters. These aren't just static figures; they are designed to teach and guide the Gappies through real-world lessons. The curriculum is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything from personal health and organisational skills to time management, transport, social skills, and civic awareness.
Crucially, it also delves into vital areas like finance, food management, and mental health and well-being, equipping young people with the tools to navigate the complexities of everyday life. This immersive learning environment makes otherwise daunting topics engaging and accessible.
The development of Discovery City was a truly collaborative effort. Built on the open-source Moodle software and enriched with interactive H5P activities and AI-generated video cut scenes, the platform's visual look, feel, and user experience (UX) were directly shaped by the very young people it aims to serve. Focus group sessions ensured that the digital world felt intuitive and engaging for its target audience.
By the end of their programme, the aim is for each Gappie to be able to show a clear "line of travel," demonstrating their progression through Discovery City and highlighting their accumulated skills. This tangible proof of their development will empower them to confidently face the challenges of the real world, setting them up for a brighter future. We Mind The Gap and adaptiVLE are not just bridging gaps; they're building pathways to potential.
Co-creating the future
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