E M B R A C I N G
V I R T U A L
L E A R N I N G
52
The Squeaky Wheel team redesigned
the delivery of their Saturday Cafe
program by incorporating Mozilla's
VR apps Hubs and Spoke for virtual
program delivery. With all the unknown
variables in our everyday lives during
the COVID 19 pandemic, the goal of
this program was to provide space for
peer to peer collaboration in virtual
reality environments that allowed
for self expression and creative
exploration.
Every Saturday the young creatives
connected virtually for 180 minute
long sessions. During these sessions,
the young creatives learned how they
can create and utilize VR environments
as a tool for learning and for self-
expression, as they develop skills
and confidence with new media
technology. Furthermore, all project
ideation processes included input and
feedback from young creatives. This
process allowed the young creatives
to feel empowered, heard, and a part
of the decision making process.
To support further with their learning
and networking, professional working
artists were invited to be a part of the
sessions for exposure to different art-
making processes and provide the
young creatives with the opportunity
to speak directly and network with
working professionals.
Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center
(Buffalo, New York, USA)
