MissionV Education, the not for profit organisation specialising in immersive game based learning, is delighted to announce that the MissionV Programme Year 2 (MVPY2) is now open for applications. Subject to funding MVPY2 will commence in September 2012.

MissionV offers a hosted virtual world service which schools use for curriculum aligned game-based learning activities. The programme (MVPY1) ran in 20 primary schools across Ireland during 2011-2012, supported by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE). “The project is very timely given the Department of Education and Skills’ prioritisation of numeracy at both primary and post primary level.” said Jerome Morrissey, Director, NCTE (March 2011).

MVPY1 has had very postive feedback from teachers and was readily endorsed by Dr. Conor Galvin from the UCD School of Education who is carrying out an independent evaluation of the programme.

“MissionV is a success story of creativity and innovation in an educational setting. The project already provides impressive proof of concept and offers a coherent and deployable model for schools interested in using immersive technology as part of their curriculum activity”, said Dr. Galvin. “Children need to be more self-actualised as learners and this requires both structured challenges and motivational activities. The possibilities offered by a virtual world in this regard are to say the least intriguing.”

This year MissionV are actively encouraging schools to form geographical groups, or clusters and we hope to accommodate as many schools as possible, subject to funding. Applications can be made online at http://missionv.ie/apply. For more information email: info@missionv.ie.