A world-first virtual reality project, created by a Griffith Business School lecturer, is in line for a national education award.
Blurred Minds, the brainchild of Griffith University’s Timo Dietrich, is a finalist in the ‘Best Educational App or Ebook’ category in this year’s Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM) Awards.
The alcohol education program features the world’s first virtual house party which was shot and produced by Griffith Film School students in Brisbane. It is being rolled out in 20 schools across Queensland in 2017.
“It is aimed at 15-year-old Australian students and the decisions they have to make about alcohol,” Dr Dietrich said.
“The primary objectives of Blurred Minds are the reduction of peer pressure susceptibility and positive expectancies surrounding drinking.
“We also want to encourage teenagers to look out for and after their mates.”
The ground-breaking project, which is directed and produced by Griffith students Claire Randall, Jessica Dee and Gabrielle Kempe, will have a public outing this week when it is activated from Tuesday to Thursday at Westfield Garden City in Brisbane.
“We’ll be giving people a chance to come and play the game for themselves and experience the virtual house party where they will encounter a mix of storylines with important decisions to be made,” Dr Dietrich said.
The Social Marketing @ Griffith team will be based near Stefans Hairdresser on level two from 10am to 3pm.
ATOM is an independent, not-for-profit, professional association that promotes the study of media and screen literacy.
