Tackling the Grand Challenge of Multimodal Cultural Literacy with Playful Immersive Learning
Dr. Stylianos Mystakidis
Lecturer on Immersive Learning, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
Learning Innovation Expert, Science and Technology Museum, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, Greece
This presentation contains two parts. First, it will describe briefly the concept of grand challenges and specifically the importance of Multimodal Literacies as a grand challenge in a global context. It will focus specifically on Cultural literacy as a critical aspect for international cooperation. Next, specific examples of applications for this purpose will be presented using a) Immersive technologies such as VR, AR and the Metaverse and b) storytelling, playful and gameful design. STEAM applications produced at the Science and Technology Museum of the University of Patras will be presented to provide starting points for discussion. The presentation will conclude with a call to action and suggestions for additional exploration.
Bio
Dr. Stylianos Mystakidis is an innovator, expert and researcher at the University of Patras, Greece, Adjunct Faculty member at the Democritus University of Thrace, the Hellenic Open University, Open University of Cyprus and Visiting Professor at the International Telematic University UNINETTUNO, Italy. He has published over 120 works in peer-reviewed international journals, conferences and books on Immersive Learning, Metaverse, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Playful Design, Gamification, Storytelling, Serious Games, Instructional Design, Artificial Intelligence, Open and Distance Education. His works have generated considerable impact as he is included in the world’s top 2% most influential scientists (Elsevier & University of Stanford’s list, 2023 & 2024) and has received several academic awards. He has international academic teaching experience for universities in Spain, United Kingdom, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and USA. He has participated as a researcher and project manager (PMI/PMP) in 14 international and European projects. His formal studies include a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science at the Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä (Finland), MA in Education in Virtual Worlds at the University of West of England Bristol (UK), MSc in Mechanical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (Greece) and Postgraduate Certificate at the Open University of Catalonia (Spain).
