The Natural Interactive Learning Games and Environments Lab (NILE) is an innovative and self-contained research unit of the Artificial Intelligence and System Engineering Laboratory (AISE) of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), welcomed with great joy and enthusiasm hundreds of students in the framework of the 13th Student Festival of Digital Creation organized on April 18, 2024 at the premises of the 1st EPAL, 1st EC and 6th EPAL of Heraklion.
At NILE site, young and old students played innovative educational games that combine learning with interactivity and fun. The technologies that have been developed have allowed our little friends to “visit” virtually a three-dimensional ancient theater, to “tour” the adventures of Odysseus (digital transfer of an educational board game), to “experience” the daily life of patients with diabetes through virtual reality, and to be informed about the benefits of recycling through an RPG-quiz game and an augmented reality application. Also, through augmented reality, they interacted with virtual 3D maps, constructing Greece piece by piece into a three-dimensional puzzle. At the same time, they had access to a maze RPG game as well as other mini-games available on the NILE gamehub, which promote alertness of thought and cultivate analytical and synthetic skills.
In harmony with our motto “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I will remember, make me participate and I will understand”, we spent a wonderful day with the children full of new knowledge, new experiences and endless play. We hope to have the pleasure to meet you again at the 14th Student Festival of Digital Creation.
The Director of the NILE Lab and the AISE Laboratory
Associate Professor Nikolaos Vidakis and his colleagues.
Following are some indicative photos from the event: