World Bank Group VR Boat Captain

VR Boat

Captain

XR Training program
for Caribbean Commercial Fisherman

This program offers more than just training — it helps create jobs for young people while promoting the health of our oceans. As students learn valuable skills, they also contribute to a sustainable blue economy, supporting ocean-based industries and protecting marine ecosystems.

Curricular

Components

VR Boat Captain is a comprehensive educational tool designed to train students to operate a commercial fishing vessel through three integrated components.

Learning Mode

Text and audio clues support learning

The Learning Mode

Students begin with a webXR application that offers step-by-step guidance using text and audio clues, providing an educational scaffold to support their learning process.

Discover

the Three Components

Hands-on practice reinforces learning

The Practice Mode

Next, students transition to a fully immersive experience with Oculus Quest 2. This hands-on practice component allows them to apply their knowledge in a realistic virtual environment, with minimal scaffolding to encourage independent learning

Learning Managing System

Web based app tracks student progress

The Learning Management System (LMS)

Both teachers and students can log in to a web-based Learning Management System (LMS) to manage educational content and track student progress, ensuring a cohesive and effective learning experience.

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Cutting-edge

Educational Technology

Web XR

WebXR or WebGL technology enables immersive experiences to be accessed directly through web browsers. WebXR is used to deliver educational content in the Learning Mode.

VR

VR

VR or Virtual Reality is a simulated experience that immerses users in a fully virtual environment, using headsets and other sensory equipment. VR is used for the practice mode.

LMS

LMS

LMS stands for Learning Management System: It is a software platform that helps manages, delivers, and tracks the educational courses and training programs. The LMS helps both the teachers and the Students.

VR Lab

A VR laboratory is a specialized space equipped with Virtual Reality technology where students can engage in immersive simulations for learning and training purposes. The VR laboratory is designed to maximize learning outcomes using immersive technology.

Virtual Vessel

Specifications

The vessel is a 12-meter (66ft) Fishing Vessel. It is equipped with a radio, a compass. The steering system is hydraulic. It also has a hand washing sink in the wheelhouse and a shower in the fore cabin.

Stowage Capacity

10,000 lbs

Length

12-meter (66ft)

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VR Boat Captain

Curriculum

An Immersive Learning Journey

The VR Boat Captain curriculum features eight engaging modules that take students on a virtual fishing expedition. Designed with a storytelling approach, these modules actively involve students, making the learning process both interactive and immersive. By creating experiences that closely replicate real-world conditions, the training becomes more effective, supported by a content-driven pedagogical framework.

The modules are structured in the following sequence:

1

Pre-Departure

2

Departure

3

Navigation

4

Weather

5

Emergencies

6

Fishing Grounds

7

Return

8

Maintenance

Deployment:

The VR Lab

Instructional Design Principles Provide Classroom Structure

Unit Introduction

10 minutes

XR activities

30 minutes

Wrap-up/Expansion

20 minutes

Course Curriculum

Collaboratively Crafted by Experts

The curriculum was collaboratively crafted by experts from CFTDI providing expertise on the content and NSU providing expertise on instructional design. While addressing the specific needs of St. Lucia and the educational mission of the beneficiary Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, the curricular content is based on CVQ occupational standards, and thus can be used elsewhere in the Caribbean. It is designed to impart instruction that would lead to certification in "Boating Operations and Safety for Fishers Operating Vessels of 12 M or Less.”

Following a fisher's journey

The modules are structured in the following sequence:

1

Pre departure

2

Departure

3

Navigation

4

Weather

5

Emergencies

6

Fishing Grounds

7

Return

8

Maintenance

3 main components

Unit of Competency:

is a statement which points to an outcome that employers will value and is observable and assessable during the work.

CVQ elements

set the standard of performance of a task in a job role. They are observable and written in measurable terms. They are the basic criteria for conducting assessment of performance.

Performance criteria

is a list of skills and knowledge necessary for the mastery of the unit of competency. They indicate what concrete actions the student should be able to perform upon completion of the instructional unit.

Acti

VAR

VR/AR for Good

Acti

VAR

The program

Immersive Technology for Education

ActiVaR aims to build the capacity of countries in the OECS to design, implement, and impart technical and technological education courses using Virtual Laboratories; and scale-up and evaluate the effectiveness of the Virtual Labs to deliver practical training. ActiVaR program includes 3 components:

• Capacity building for OECS to set up a Virtual Labs Development Network in State colleges.

• Technical Evaluation of the use of virtual labs to deliver practical training in Auto-mechanics in Ecuador’s system of State technical education.

• Technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and grant implementation

Virtual Campus: Transforming Education in the Eastern Caribbean

In collaboration with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, the World Bank is helping national colleges in the Eastern Caribbean lead the way in education by leveraging the metaverse. This initiative aims to address regional challenges in remote learning by enabling colleges to host events, hold classes, and offer student services in a digital space

The project will unfold in phases, starting with an assessment of existing infrastructure, followed by pilot events (e.g., virtual job fairs) at selected colleges. The ultimate goal is a fully accessible Virtual Campus, providing continuous academic and social opportunities, blending physical and digital learning to enhance educational access.

Acti

VAR

Blue Economy

VR Boat Captain

VR boat Captain is a project integrated in the first component of the program ActiVaR : ActiVaR - Blue Economy. This project aims to support the set up and roll out a virtual laboratory for imparting technical education in Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in St Lucia. SALCC identified Blue Economy as the desired curricular content for the laboratory’s inaugural project.

VR Boat Captain aims to train students to become professional fisherman and enter Commercial Fishing & Marine Technologies sector using immersive technologies.

The First Use Case

Sir Arthur Lewis Community College at Saint Lucia.

The project is the result of the Partnership between the World Bank, the Nameseoul University, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, and the Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute (CFTDI). The first use case was initiated at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia.

Traditionally, Saint Lucia has a strong connection to the marine environment and the fisheries sector plays an important role in strengthening the social fabric of coastal communities. However, the fishing industry is failing to attract young entrepreneurs into its ranks. One of the primary reasons is that all commercial fishing in Saint Lucia is “artisanal.” Fishermen use small boats, traditional methods, and simple equipment. Under these conditions, the fisheries sector is unable to meet consumer demands on the Island. As a result, much of the fish consumed in St. Lucia is imported. Furthermore, the artisanal nature of the industry makes it difficult to earn a living. Nearly all fishermen are compelled to find ways to supplement their income.

Acti

VAR

Blue Economy goals

Train Students

To train young students entering the commercial fisheries sector
to bolster the local economy, reduce the trade imbalance and promote national food security.

Use a Virtual Boat

To provide training using a virtual boat to reduce initial training cost and integrate new technology into fishing operations.

Teach Sustainability

To provide instruction that addresses the threat that climate change poses to marine ecosystems.

Modernize
Classroom training

To incorporate XR technologies into the classroom to create better learning experiences that improve academic and vocational outcomes, engagement and achievement.

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Teaching Approach

Pedagogy Underpins Meaningful Classroom Interactions

The pedagogical approach is based on blended learning models.

• The students' initial introduction to content is via XR-mediated experiences, allowing a customized and integrated approach to learning.

• The VR simulations are combined with learner-centered collaborative activities so that students are actively involved in knowledge acquisition.

• The teachers' role, therefore, shifts. Rather than delivering direct instruction, they take on the role of facilitator, allowing them to personalize learning according to student performance, learning preferences and learning goals.

Higher level skills such as complex problem solving, social skills (e.g., coordinating with others), process skills (e.g., critical thinking, self-monitoring), systems skills (e.g., analysis, judgement, decision making) and cognitive abilities (e.g., cognitive flexibility, creativity) are deepened and reinforced.

The curriculum was collaboratively crafted by experts from CFTDI, who provided expertise on the content, and NSU, who provided expertise on instructional design.
The production was managed by the World Bank's GCS (Global Corporate Solutions) Interactive Media Services.

Check the Curriculum

Key Features

Compatible
VR headsets

Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2

Accessibility
options

Subtitles are available in English

Voice over

The Voice over is guiding the student

Crew Avatar

An animated avatar behaves according to the student's choices

Teleporting
Menu

Users can teleport to different areas of the vessel

User
Mode

Single User

Component
Features

Learning Mode

This component provides educational scaffolding tin the form of text and/or audio clues to guide students through the lessons.

Practice Mode

The “practice” mode removes the scaffolding, giving students the opportunity to practice at their own pace to assess their understanding of the content. A score is provided upon completion of the “practice” mode for self/instructor assessment.

Learning Management System (LMS)

Teachers are able to manage student access and monitor their progress effectively. To keep students focused during class, teachers can unlock specific modules, preventing them from exploring content beyond the current lesson. A student can also view their progress through a scoring system, see which units have been unlocked, and distinguish between practice and learning modes.

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Key Features

Compatible
VR Headsets

Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2

Accessibility
Options

Subtitles are available in English Please change the icon

Voice Over

The Voice over is guiding the student

Crew Avatar

An animated avatar behaves according to the student’s choices

Teleporting
Menu

Users can teleport to different areas of the vessel

User
Mode

single user

Learn more

Real-World Application

Traditionally, Caribbeans have a strong connection to the marine environment and the fisheries sector plays an important role in strengthening the social fabric of coastal communities. However, the fishing industry is failing to attract young entrepreneurs into its ranks. One of the primary reasons is that all commercial fishing in Saint Lucia is “artisanal.”

Fishermen use small boats, traditional methods, and simple equipment. Under these conditions, the fisheries sector is unable to meet consumer demands on the Island. As a result, much of the fish consumed in St. Lucia is imported. Furthermore, the artisanal nature of the industry makes it difficult to earn a living. For example, in Saint Lucia, nearly all fishermen are compelled to find ways to supplement their income.

The VR Lab

A Typical Class Day

Unit Introduction

10 minutes

When introducing a lesson, the learning is put into context. Without going into detail, the instructor explains why the learning is important and how they will know if they are successful. The teacher should set the scene for what is to be learned.

XR Activities

30 minutes

The XR activities are designed to promote active learning and encourage student engagement in the classroom. Instructors monitor and guide the students in this process. They facilitate deep learning and strengthen skill acquisition .

Wrap-Up/Expansion

20 minutes

At the end of each lesson, the instructor allows time to reflect on the lesson and their learning. The expansion time connects the lesson to the broader curriculum and sets the stage for further learning. Highlighting student experiences and promoting discussion fosters deeper understanding and practical application.

World Bank Group VR Boat Captain

This application uses Immersive Technologies to train students in commercial fishing operations

This application combines a Learning mode in WebXR and a Practice mode in VR

This application incorporates a Learning Management System to help teachers track student progress.