Haydar Muntadhar, an award-winning Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) manager and Salzburg Global Fellow, is integrating immersive technology with his passion for democratic activism, tolerance, and education. His work bridges cultural history and civic identity, creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire the next generation.
The educator is always the one who best knows their audience and can tailor lessons for the most effective learning outcomes.
Bringing VR to P/CVE Education
Virtual reality is still in its early stages within the field of countering violent extremism. However, Haydar sees its transformative potential. “It will require educators and students alike to put the headsets on, experience the programs like I have done, to really see its benefit and its full impact,” he says.
A Passion Project with Zoe Immersive
Collaborating with Zoe Immersive, Haydar created an educational VR experience that showcases the rich cultural history and architecture of the Middle East. Designed for primary school students, the program introduces:
- Cultural artifacts and folktales to highlight Middle Eastern heritage.
- Interactive gamification to engage students with historical and civic themes.
- Civic education elements that focus on environmental awareness, community support, and wildlife appreciation.
“Being an Arab myself, I’m very keen on highlighting and showcasing our rich cultural history... and framing that in a wider narrative of civic identity and civic education,” Haydar explains.
Future Visions for VR in Education
Haydar envisions using VR for professional training, hazard perception, and even mental health support. He highlights the accessibility of platforms like Zoe, which allow educators to bring their ideas to life with ease.
Key Benefits of Custom VR Lessons:
- Tailored content designed specifically for the audience.
- Enhanced engagement and retention compared to traditional teaching methods.
- Simplified creation process with tools like Zoe Immersive.
Engagement through virtual reality is much more effective for retaining learning outcomes.
Advice for Educators Exploring VR
Haydar encourages educators to dive into VR firsthand: “Try virtual reality experiences, especially with Zoe Immersive, to see the full benefit of interactive learning.” He emphasizes the platform’s user-friendly nature, which enables both beginners and tech-savvy creators to develop impactful VR programs.
Transforming Education Through Immersive Technology
Haydar’s work demonstrates how VR can revolutionize education by fostering cultural appreciation and civic responsibility. By merging emerging technology with his expertise in P/CVE, he is paving the way for innovative teaching practices.
Ready to bring your ideas to life in VR? Explore the Zoe platform today and start building the future. Apply for our Zoe Creator Program, which runs periodically throughout the year and is designed to take you through building your first immersive experience from the ground up.