IN Dialogue – Conversations and Comparisons – Lorenza Colicigno talks with Gianni Spada aka Gianni Spadavecchia about Immersive Teaching
(In the cover photo: Gianni Spadavecchia)
Gianni Spadavecchia is an artist and middle school art teacher and a pioneer in the production of 3D artworks and monuments within virtual worlds such as OpenSim. Through his work, he combines education, innovation and cultural heritage, creating immersive environments that allow students to explore history and art interactively.
What was the occasion that introduced you to immersive digital education?
My interest in immersive digital education stems from my passion for history, art and cultural outreach. The idea that technology could break down physical barriers and make otherwise unreachable places accessible prompted me to explore the potential of virtual worlds. OpenSim turned out to be an extraordinary tool for reconstructing historical sites, offering not only the possibility to visit them virtually, but also to interact with them in an active and immersive way. This approach not only overcomes geographical limitations, but also facilitates access for those who, for various reasons, including disabilities, might find it difficult to experience certain cultural spaces directly.
Artemaestra, the land of Gianni Spada in Craft World Opensim
What is your experience in this regard? In which sim do you carry out your educational activities?
I operate within Craft World, a metaverse based on OpenSim, in the region called Artemaestra, where I have digitally reconstructed some cultural assets of Puglia. In this virtual space, I conduct educational activities aimed at students and enthusiasts, offering them the opportunity to explore historical environments, delve into the evolution of architecture and interact with elements of the past that, in the real world, are inaccessible for various reasons. Indeed, in many cases, these sites are closed to the public due to administrative constraints, preservation requirements, or the lack of adequate infrastructure to accommodate large flows of visitors.
Overview of historical routes to certain locations in Artemaestra
Gianni Spada a.k.a. Gianni Spadavecchia in the Artemaestra region on Craft World, where he hosts virtual reconstructions of historical sites in Puglia, promoting an engaging and collaborative educational approach. Here the exterior of the Church of the Eternal Father in Giovinazzo, Apulia.
The same place outdoors in the virtual on the left and in reality on the right
With which classes do you conduct educational activities in Craft World?
The main educational activities I carry out in Craft World are aimed at secondary school students, with paths focused on interactive learning about history, art and architecture. However, I have also had the opportunity to develop projects with secondary schools and universities, delving into interdisciplinary themes and innovative methodologies.
In parallel, I collaborate with teachers and researchers interested in the use of immersive technologies in education, organizing training courses for professional development. In addition, I promote events in collaboration with local authorities, cultural institutions and local realities, with the aim of enhancing the historical-artistic heritage through digital experiences accessible to a wider audience.
Another example of the reconstructive effectiveness in the ArteMaestra sim in Craft World: virtual Alberobello Trulli on the left and real ones on the right
With which classes do you conduct educational activities in Craft World?
The main educational activities I carry out in Craft World are aimed at secondary school students, with paths focused on interactive learning about history, art and architecture. However, I have also had the opportunity to develop projects with secondary schools and universities, delving into interdisciplinary themes and innovative methodologies.
In parallel, I collaborate with teachers and researchers interested in the use of immersive technologies in education, organizing training courses for professional development. In addition, I promote events in collaboration with local authorities, cultural institutions and local realities, with the aim of enhancing the historical-artistic heritage through digital experiences accessible to a wider audience.
Regional Event “Scuola Futura”: Training Marathon held Sept. 19-21, 2024, at I.I.S.S. “Marco Polo” and at Hotel “Excelsior,” both with locations in Bari
What advantages in terms of European skills and in terms of personal growth does this innovative, active, collaborative didactics have?
The adoption of innovative, active and collaborative teaching such as that offered by virtual worlds fosters the development of several key competencies recognized at the European level. Prominent among these are critical thinking and problem solving skills, which are stimulated by the need to interact with complex digital environments and to tackle design challenges creatively and strategically. In addition, working in these immersive contexts enhances advanced digital skills, which are fundamental in today’s professional landscape.in today’s professional landscape.
On the technical side, I have developed solid skills in 3D modeling with Blender, learning to design, optimize, and import objects and environments into OpenSim. This process requires not only skills in 3D graphics and design, but also a thorough understanding of software compatibility, texture management, and the dynamics of interaction within a virtual environment. These skills not only enrich my professional background, but open up exciting prospects for the application of virtual reality in cultural outreach, education, and heritage enhancement.
On a personal growth level, this methodology fuels curiosity and motivation, transforming the learning process into a dynamic and engaging experience. Working on digital historical reconstructions has allowed me to combine scientific rigor and creativity, honing my ability to observe and critically analyze iconographic and documentary sources. Moreover, the collaborative dimension of immersive teaching fosters the development of soft skills such as teamwork, project management and effective communication, aspects that are increasingly relevant in academic and professional settings.
Thanks to Gianni Spadavecchia for highlighting the effectiveness of Immersive Didactics in the acquisition and enhancement of European skills and personal growth of young schoolchildren, particularly their interpersonal skills.
Craft World Opesim, owner Licu Rau a.k.a. Raffaele Macis, offers an ideal environment for sim-schools and for the enhancement of culture in its various subject areas.
