An innovative new digital platform, supported by Brock University students, will soon be brightening the lives of children facing long-term hospitalization.
The concept a virtual dance space for hospitalized children around the world was first envisioned by Be Earth Foundation, a charitable organization founded by Danielle Rankie and Greg Bowman.
Working in collaboration with North Bay-based immersive media company ABoot Studios, founded by Bowman, Jason Rothberg, Karl Regier and Niagara-based philanthropist Adrian Kulakowsky, Brock students are now on board combining their artistic vision and technical expertise to help bring the digital world to life.
The collaboration will result in a safe and inclusive online space where children in care can connect, dance and play together, regardless of physical boundaries.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative and Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada's (CEWIL) iHUB, and supported by Brock's Co-op, Career and Experiential Education team, the initiative provides Brock students in Game Design, Interactive Arts and Digital Media, Computer Science, Arts Leadership and the Goodman School of Business with valuable opportunities to build professional skills while driving positive change.
Key components developed by students include avatars, animations, digital environments, user interfaces and interactive games.
"While our future developers are getting hands-on experience designing, coding and animating for ABoot's virtual dance space, they are simultaneously developing valuable communication and collaboration skills by working with a leading innovator in immersive experiences," said Jeremy Leipert, Brock's Digital Humanities Project Co-ordinator.
For fourth-year Game Design student Emma Little, working on the project alongside peers and industry partners has been a fulfilling experience.
"Each time I sit down to create art for the project, I feel so much passion and excitement," she said. "Whether it be from creating a variety of avatar hairstyles or drawing customizable faces, knowing that I am contributing to creating a space where children can freely express themselves in any way they'd like is so meaningful."
Rothberg said the partnership's vision is ultimately about delivering a transformative experience for children enduring extended hospital stays.
"Patients between the ages of eight and 15 can design fully customizable avatars that reflect who they are from outfits and cultural styles to mobility options and accessibility settings and step into interactive adventures that blend movement, play and storytelling with hands-on discovery," he said.
Bowman added that every element of the experience is designed to entertain, inspire curiosity and foster cultural understanding, reflecting a shared commitment to helping young patients stay active, creative and connected during their most difficult health challenges.
The project, Kulakowsky said, showcases the power of local collaboration, emphasizing the importance of Niagara's role in developing globally meaningful innovations.
"It's incredible to see our region's talent contributing to a platform that will bring hope and happiness to children worldwide," he said.
"This is a powerful example of how students, industry partners and technology can unite to create meaningful impact," said Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines. "It's inspiring to see students applying their skills and creativity to bring joy to children facing health challenges."
This sentiment was echoed by the Honourable Anna Gainey, Canada's Secretary of State (Children and Youth).
"By supporting work-integrated learning initiatives, like this virtual dance space supported by Brock University students, your government is helping students get the experience they need to thrive in their future careers, while also making a meaningful impact in the lives of sick children around the world," she said.
Brock's Department of Digital Humanities will unveil the final digital assets at the annual Interactive Arts and Digital Media Showcase held on campus in April.
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