About the project

Welcome to FII;)CA, an ERASMUS+ project inspired by the cherished Swedish tradition of 'fika.'At FII;)CA, we explore the intriguing question: "How do you enjoy virtual coffee?" While you can't physically sip a virtual cup, we are here to recreate the essence of 'fika' in the virtual reality realm.Our mission is to delve into social virtual reality (SVR) platforms, uncovering their capabilities and limitations. We guide students in designing meaningful scenarios and virtual spaces for social activities in SVR, fostering a new way of connecting and interacting.Our project is a collaboration between prestigious institutions and organizations: Centria University in Finland, Antwerpen University in Belgium, Ispgaya in Portugal, University of Malaga in Spain, Asociación Building Bridges in Spain, AIDI in Spain, and GEA College in Slovenia. FII;)CA is proudly funded by a higher education (HED) grant from Erasmus+.Curious about the future of social interactions in the digital world through virtual reality? Let's explore together!Bookmark this site to stay updated on our progress. We'll soon be launching links to our events and giving everyone the opportunity to experience SVR first-hand!Join us on this exciting journey and discover the possibilities of Social Virtual Reality (SVR) with FII;)CA!


FII;)CA MANIFESTO

Embracing the Future: Beyond the Pandemic

The FII;)CA project was conceived in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the world was forced to rethink how we connect, learn, and socialize. As we emerge from the shadow of the pandemic and step into a new era, our mission remains more relevant than ever. The longing for the human touch of the "old normal" is palpable, yet we recognize the immense possibilities that the digital realm holds for the future of education and social interaction.

A New Generation of Virtual Natives

In this new normal, a generation of "virtual natives" has emerged, epitomized by the users of platforms like Roblox. These young individuals, aged 14-16 and even younger, are navigating virtual spaces with ease, using them as their primary venues for socialization and play. These platforms are vast, open worlds with minimal regulation, fostering creativity and exploration through micro-games and side quests.This demographic is poised to become the next wave of students entering higher education. Their familiarity and comfort with social virtual reality (SVR) environments mean that they will arrive with specific expectations shaped by their digital experiences. The FII;)CA project recognizes that while their adoption of SVR will be seamless, the challenge lies in how educational institutions can not only adapt to but also lead in this evolving landscape.

Pioneering the Future of Education

Our vision for FII;)CA extends beyond mere adaptation. We aim to position universities, vocational education and training (VET) institutes, and other educational entities at the forefront of SVR innovation. To meet the expectations of upcoming generations, these institutions must pioneer new methodologies and develop concrete use cases for SVR in education.This involves creating regulated, safe virtual environments where students can engage in learning activities that are both immersive and aligned with institutional behavioral guidelines. By doing so, we ensure that the ethos and methodologies of education are preserved and enhanced within these digital spaces.

Our Commitment

FII;)CA is committed to exploring and harnessing the full potential of social virtual reality. Our goal is to create a framework where educational institutions can seamlessly integrate SVR into their curriculums, providing students with engaging, interactive learning experiences. We believe that by embracing these technologies, we can create a richer, more dynamic educational landscape that prepares students for the future while respecting the principles of traditional education.

Join us as we chart this exciting path forward, blending the best of the old and new to redefine education for the digital age.

Project Partners

The project is a collaborative effort between partners from across Europe, with the strategic objective of empowering, developing competences and fostering the creation of safe virtual reality environments conducive to both learning and having fun!


AP LOGO

As a University of Applied Sciences and Arts, AP is more than a higher education institution.
AP is a learning metropolis, an enricher of talent, an amplifier of commitment and an
expander of students’ world view. By way of enthusiastic teachers, progressive content,
direct honest orientation and maximum interaction with expertise, AP ensures that all
students can realise their full potential.
AP is leading partner in FII;)CA. The aim is to share knowledge about Social VR with our
partners to prepare our students for the future, equip them with digital skills and increase
their awareness on soft skill which are still applicable in the virtual realm.

ISPGAYA LOGO

ISPGAYA aims to promote the full development of its students through integrated technical-scientific, sociocultural and human training. Based on human values, ISPGAYA emphasises the personal and community dimension, training its students in responsible freedom, openness to the future, flexibility in change, solidarity with the world in which it is inserted.ISPGAYA also seeks to stimulate the creation and publicising of culture and science through the CID - Research and Development Centre, namely the journal Politécnica, the journal PEC - Psicologia, Educação e Cultura and other relevant scientific publications.With experience in international projects and its focus on methodologies, ISPGAYA can contribute significantly to the FIICA project as well as having it positioned as a pilot project for future implementations of Social Virtual Reality technology and methodologies.

University of Málaga logo

The University of Málaga is a public institution which produces and transfers knowledge while providing higher education services through the teaching staff and research tasks in a setting that features technological, cultural, and tourist activities. It was founded in 1972 after a sequence of initiatives put forth by a social movement that finally became an established platform: “Amigos de la Universidad de Málaga” (University of Málaga Friends). It is a dynamic and innovative University that has come to be socially recognized for its prestige and leadership; its open and participatory nature; its commitment to achieving a status of quality, excellence and to lifelong learning; its integration into the European Higher Education and Research Area; its concern for student employability and, thus, links to the business world, Andalusia's Technology Park and public sector; its outstanding competitive position at regional, national and international levels; and, its focus on a global knowledge society.Specific Contributions to the Fii;)CA project are:
Leadership in the Development of Educational Content: UMA is instrumental in the co-creation of educational content applied to the use of immersive spaces for relaxation purposes. The expertise of the team members in mental health and simulation is key in designing scenarios that promote the mental well-being of students.
Support in Research and Analysis Protocols: UMA supports the development and implementation of the project's research and analysis protocol, ensuring that the methods and results are rigorous and of high quality.
Organization and Conduct of Transnational Events: UMA plays a significant role in organizing and conducting transnational meetings and learning, training, and teaching activities, ensuring active participation and engagement from all educational partners. It is in charge of LTTA2 organization.
Use of Technology in Education: The UMA team proposal to integrate augmented reality in mental health training is an innovative component of the project, promoting digital transformation in education and enhancing the digital capacity and readiness of the involved students and teachers.

GEA COLLEGE LOGO

GEA College – Faculty of Entrepreneurship is a specialized private business school that provides
high-quality and practical education at a graduate and post-graduate level. Full time and part-time
study programs are conducted in Ljubljana and online. GEA is developing modern study methods and
nurtures excellence in teaching. The entire study demands collaboration with business environment as
well as use of the top-notch theoretical knowledge.
Teaching and learning methods in GEA College are moving away from traditional forms, from passive
learning towards a greater focus of active learning, where students openly interact with one another
and participate in the lecture. They are often challenged to work out a problem together, to study on
real case study from one of Slovene or international enterprises or to work on task/problem from
student’s own job.

Centria logo

Centria University of Applied Sciences (Centria) is a multi-disciplinary educational organization located in western Finland, with campuses in Kokkola, Pietarsaari, and Ylivieska. Centria offers degree programs across a variety of fields, including business, technology, social and health care, culture, humanities, and education. With approximately 3,500 students enrolled in around 15 different programs, Centria is committed to providing diverse and comprehensive education.Centria plays a pivotal role in the FII;)CA project. As the host of the first Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA), Centria collaborated closely with the University of Malaga (UMA) and other partners to plan the initial learning scenario theme. Alongside Asociación Building Bridges (ABB) and other partners, Centria is continually developing the project's digital ecosystem.In addition to its collaborative efforts, Centria leads several key aspects of the FII;)CA project. As the responsible partner for the Web Shop, Centria is creating a digital storefront for the immersive spaces developed by the project. This Web Shop will feature a rating system for these spaces, which will be managed in collaboration with ABB. Furthermore, Centria, in partnership with AP and coached by AIDI, is responsible for overseeing the Social Virtual Reality (SVR) component of the project.Centria's expertise in learning and education is a cornerstone of the FII;)CA project. The institution leads the planning of learning scenarios, focusing on a broad spectrum of topics such as social learning, active learning, teaching, collaboration, and co-creation. Through these efforts, Centria aims to foster innovative and engaging learning experiences for all participants

AIDI (Association for Research, Design, and Innovation) is a Spanish non-profit association dedicated to fostering social innovation at the intersection of culture, education, and technology. By working on projects with a positive social impact, AIDI aims to drive meaningful change and improvement in communities.AIDI collaborates with public institutions to actively involve local communities, fostering citizen participation, critical thinking, knowledge transfer, and collective intelligence. Currently, the association is experimenting with living labs and artistic mediation practices to enhance its innovative approach.In the FII;)CA project, AIDI plays a crucial role by providing both technical and methodological support. Their expertise in utilizing virtual environments is essential for engaging educational communities, ensuring that these digital spaces are effectively used to enhance learning and collaboration.

Building Bridges Cultural Association was founded in 2008 to promote a spirit and community integration and to foster European culture awareness among the youth. Building Bridges is presented at local level as a tool to assist and support the implementation of non formal education courses and improving knowledge of European labour system practices. They organise courses, visits and meetings, European events for public agencies on policies concerning youth , mobility, sports , local economic development , culture and cooperation with developing countries. n actors of the European future.

Events


LTTA 1: Kokkola, Finland 🇫🇮

In March the whole WICEPS team met in Madrid for the first transnational partner meeting of the project.
The meeting served not only to work on the tasks related to the project but also to get to know each other better and to start a fruitful cooperation between all of us.
The meeting helped us to define all the future results we want to achieve within this project and to share them with you. During the meeting we analysed the data we collected in January and February through a series of goolge forms. We submitted questionnaires to women working in construction to determine the needs of the target group and the challenges related to women's access to the construction workforce. The analysis of the collected data helped us to determine the depth or technical potential of the MOOC content.

Listen to Syben Lacquaye and his participation in LTTA1 - Kokkola, Fi.

Project Gallery

Welcome to our Project Gallery, a visual showcase of the outstanding results achieved through our dedicated efforts and innovative solutions. Here, you can explore a curated collection of images and multimedia that highlight the impact and success of our projects. Each entry in this gallery tells a unique story of creativity, collaboration, and transformation. Dive in and discover the remarkable work that defines our commitment to excellence and progress.

Relaxation

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News & Project Resources

The FII;)CA project looks to bridge virtual reality technology and learning. For these purposes we have outlined the open-sourced resources on which the project is built, for all users.

Create your own Social Virtual Reality

Learn about Scenario Building

News

Contact Us

Got a comment or a more general question? Let us know.

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