In a world where experiences often define us, travel has consistently held a place of prominence. It's the captivating landscapes, the inspiring encounters with locals, and the chance to make a difference that makes travel a transformative endeavour. However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly reshaped the way we connect and experience the world. As a travel company based in the Philippines, we found ourselves facing a challenge: how could we sustain the essence of travel, the very thing that brings people together, without the ability to physically journey?

At the heart of our mission lies the desire to recreate the profound encounters one might have while exploring far-flung destinations, but with a technological twist. Our response to the pandemic-induced travel restrictions has been to harness the power of interactive video technology. This innovation allows participants to curate their virtual journey, offering the freedom to choose destinations, interact with individuals, and pose thought-provoking questions - all from the comfort of their own screens.

We recently ran a program for Canva, a creative technology company, which showcased the transformative potential of this approach. Canva's employees embarked on a virtual adventure to the coastal community of Lobo, located south of Manila. The excitement of this digital journey was met with enthusiasm by employees at Canva, illustrating that the allure of travel - and the opportunity to make a difference - can still be captured even when physical travel is off the table. 

We asked Camille Armas, Social Impact Program Manager for Canva Foundation - Philippines for her thoughts.

‍“During our recent volunteering week at Canva Philippines, we were really pleased with MAD Courses’ Lobo Interactive Tour experience at it was a unique, fun, and new way for our employees to interact and learn about different issues that affect the Lobo community while also contributing to the community in a small way.” 

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Camille added that particular highlights of the experience were the ‘story flow, narrative, and the overall quality of the interactive adventure’: “We’re excited for the potential future local stories that can be shared to a broader audience in a similar way.”

Indeed, this experience highlighted a new era of possibilities. Imagine hundreds of employees from various corporations across the Philippines accessing immersive, 'transformative' learning experiences through virtual travel. The boundaries of traditional travel melt away as technology steps in to provide a carbon-neutral, cost-effective, and accessible alternative. Not only could employees partake in these experiences, but students too could venture into the world, gaining insights into global challenges, especially those concerning sustainability.

While nothing can replace the authenticity of in-person interactions, this blend of technology and wanderlust opens doors to deeper appreciation and empathy for the diverse world we inhabit. It's about fostering a connection with our planet and its inhabitants, regardless of physical presence. As we strive to minimize our carbon footprint and reduce the strain on our environment, interactive video technology emerges as a valuable tool in expanding horizons.

The virtual journey isn't simply about virtually 'going' places. It's about uncovering shared stories, witnessing pressing challenges, and recognizing the interconnectedness of our world. It's about cultivating an understanding that transcends borders, promoting empathy for fellow citizens and fostering a sense of global community. This journey through screens has the power to plant seeds of change, sparking a newfound commitment to sustainable practices and positive action.

In conclusion, the allure of travel isn't solely confined to physical exploration. Through the convergence of technology and wanderlust, we can embark on transformative journeys that transcend limitations, foster connections, and nurture empathy. While physical travel will always hold its special place, the evolution of interactive video technology presents an exciting pathway to broadening our appreciation for the world we share: not just for corporations, but for students around the world who - regardless of their background -  might now have the opportunity to explore important global issues through the lens of local communities.  

If you want to get a virtual trip for your classroom or colleagues, check the trailer to our latest adventure in Lobo here and reach out to suji@madcourses.com

What if the transformational potential of a field trip could be made more accessible to everyone, and throughout the school year? At MAD Courses, we believe in the transformative power of interactive videos for education. Why? Because they enable us to recreate the same learning experience students might have when visiting a far flung community, but without the same hassle, expense or carbon footprint! As a result, interactive videos have emerged as a potent resource for classrooms, revolutionising the learning experience. How? 

• Increased Engagement: Interactive videos combine visual, auditory, and interactive elements, catering to diverse learning styles. This multimedia approach captures students' attention, encouraging active participation and enhancing retention.
• Enhanced Comprehension: Complex concepts become more manageable through interactive videos' bite-sized, visually appealing segments. Students can pause, rewind, and replay content at their own pace, fostering a deeper understanding.
• Personalised Learning: Choose where to go, who to speak to and what questions to ask! Customised learning paths with quizzes and exercises empower students to take charge of their learning, addressing individual strengths and weaknesses.
• ‍Real-world Context: Our interactive adventures take students beyond the classroom, bringing to life global issues (the SDGs) through a local lens. In so doing, they showcase real-world applications of academic concepts, building connections, and fostering empathy.

• ‍Feedback and Assessment: Embedded quizzes and exercises provide instant feedback, helping you as a teacher to identify gaps and adapting your strategies.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Anyone can ‘travel’ with us! With closed captions and assistive features, interactive videos ensure accessibility for all students, promoting inclusivity.
• Collaborative Learning Opportunities: Interactive videos facilitate group discussions, debate scenarios, and peer assessments, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
• And lastly, MAD Courses would like to highlight this key feature: the adventures are FUN!! 

We hope you visit madcourses.com to find out more about how you can take your students around the world, build connections and empathy, and foster a real sense of global citizenship now!

"Teachers, do you struggle with finding genuine third party audiences for your student' service projects?"

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We named our company Make A Difference for a reason - we are focused on not only making a difference through our financial and educational support with community partnerships but also by empowering students to make significant contributions to positive social change.

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In addition to building empathy and fostering connection, we know that giving students the skills to become agents of positive social change is crucial. One powerful way to cultivate their potential is by encouraging them to share and pitch their social change ideas to authentic third-party audiences. Presenting to others outside their school or family can help students to foster confidence, witness the relevance of their ideas in the “real world” and get constructive feedback. 

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Students develop confidence and effective communication skills when sharing their projects and ideas with others, especially outside of their social, familial and educational settings. Presenting their ideas before an external audience, such as community leaders, peers, experts, or organizations, instils a sense of purpose and validation in their efforts. Through this experience, students gain self-assurance, enhance their video creation skills,  public speaking skills, and learn to articulate their thoughts and beliefs persuasively, all of which are essential lifelong skills.

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Engaging with a third-party audience also allows students to witness the real-world relevance of their ideas. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application, emphasising the impact their initiatives can have beyond academic boundaries. Students see that their ideas have the potential to inspire change and contribute to meaningful societal transformation, motivating them to think critically, develop innovative solutions, and actively participate in shaping the world around them.

Pitching ideas to an authentic audience provides students with valuable feedback and the opportunity for collaboration. By interacting with external stakeholders, students receive constructive criticism, suggestions, and perspectives that can refine and strengthen their proposals. Furthermore, engaging with professionals and community members fosters collaborative relationships, allowing students to connect with mentors, experts, or organizations that can offer guidance, resources, or even partnerships to further their social change endeavors.

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For all of the above reasons, Make A Difference is really proud that in our flagship program for empowering young people to take informed action (the Changemaker Launchpad or CMLP - find out more here) we have “Launch Tracks” in which a student or a team submits their idea to an outside organisation! One of those is The Global Co Lab Network "Co Lab”. This small but mighty organisation empowers youth ages 13-35 with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  It does this with an annual global video contest, Teens Dream, and twelve virtual teen-led weekly gatherings, SDG Hubs addressing racial justice, gender equality, mental health, quality education, climate change, hunger, plastic pollution, wildlife conservation. MAD Courses’ CMLP scaffolds students to enter the Teens Dream challenge and join the SDG Hubs - a REAL LIFE opportunity for students to present to authentic third party audiences!

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If you could pick an audience for YOUR student’s ideas, who would you choose? Why? 

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We are looking for students to test the program with this launch track. Get in touch with Suji at suji@madcourses.com to try out the course in your classroom.