AI-based Serendip provides a new and experiential way to learn about sustainability

AI-based Serendip provides a new and experiential way to learn about sustainability

The Serendip game offers a journey in stunning virtual landscapes and helps to solve sustainability issues from the perspective of various disciplines.

The University of Helsinki has released a new kind of virtual sustainability-themed game called Serendip. In the world of the game, students get to explore impressive landscapes ranging from northern forests to deserts and from the depths of the ocean to a rainforest, all the while learning about sustainability.

In the first episode, students familiarise themselves with topics such as forestry, forest ecology and indigenous peoples.Later come three other sustainability-themed episodes on oceans, deserts and rainforests.

Students explore sustainability issues from the perspective of several disciplines and complete assignments with narrative AI characters. They learn to identify and connect matters that affect sustainability, as well as establish a vision based on their values alongside artificial intelligence.

"The Serendip game is based on the serendipitous learning approach, according to which solutions to sustainability challenges can come about through unexpected connections and innovations. I hope that our game will help students find new ways that are suited for them to work for a more sustainable world," says Ulla Hemminki-Reijonen, who is responsible for the project.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration as a cornerstone of Serendip

The virtual learning environment is the result of combined expertise from several disciplines.

University Lecturer Rami Ratvio, who teaches the sustainability course at the University of Helsinki, has been a strong support.Specialists in, for example, forest sciences, sustainability sciences, educational sciences and cultural studies have contributed to the project's first episode.

Postdoctoral researcher in indigenous studies Outi Laiti specialises in Sámi game research and has been involved in designing the section on the indigenous perspectives of the Serendip game.

"It's vital to increase awareness of the effects of climate change on indigenous cultures. Giving students the chance to live for a while in our community virtually will hopefully increase dialogue that promotes understanding and sustainability," says Laiti, who is of Sámi origin herself.

Every character in the game has been carefully crafted to be as realistic as possible. According to Hemminki-Reijonen, the forest owner character, for instance, has been constructed together with researchers of forest sciences to ensure that the concerns expressed by the character and related elements in general are up to date and accurate.

Professor Pasi Puttonen from the Department of Forest Sciences has contributed to the development of the first episode of the game:

"It's astounding, innovative and dream-like what artificial intelligence can bring to teaching in the forest sciences. I've interviewed Finnish forest owners over several decades, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to talk to an AI forest owner. The artificial intelligence used in this assignment has been designed in a fairly realistic manner. Would even artificial intelligence have known that the Finnish Metsänomistaja 2020 ('Forest Owner 2020') survey and the forest profile owners created for it would be utilised in such a unique way?"

Students intensely involved in development

Students have significantly contributed to the development of Serendip. The project team employs a number of students, and collaboration has been conducted, for example, with the Student Union's Environmental Committee. According to Hemminki-Reijonen, the game would lack many important perspectives and exciting content for students without their intensive contribution.

Recognition for Serendip in international competitions

The sustainability game has already attracted a lot of interest, both in Finland and internationally. The game is, in fact, well-suited for staff training when hoping to impart up-to-date research-based information on sustainability challenges and provide staff with personal experiences of studying and working with artificial intelligence.

In April 2024, Serendip vied for victory in one of Europe's biggest XR competitions, in the category 'XR for a Cause'. Previously, the game was a finalist in both a Nordic XR application prototype competition and the global Hamar UNESCO City of Media Arts Award.

Serendip is also a finalist in AI Finland's AI gala in the best creative AI implementation category. In December, Serendip will compete in the finals of the QS Reimagine Education Awards in London in the Best Use of Generative AI category.

Do you want to learn more about the game?

Serendip will open for students at the University of Helsinki in stages in the autumn 2024. Media representatives and other interested organisations are advised to contact Ulla Hemminki-Reijonen.

Serendip

Based on the serendipitous learning approach, according to which solutions to sustainability challenges can come about through unexpected connections and innovations.

The name comes from an old Persian fairytale entitled 'The Three Princes of Serendip', where the princes make serendipitous discoveries.

Represents an innovative approach to educational technology and seeks bold solutions.

Part of the University of Helsinki's Global campus project.

Developed by a multidisciplinary and international project team.