I believe that Edu3D, the community of practice I started collaborating with in 2015, is quite well-known in Craft. However, not everyone may know how the project began, so I thought it would be interesting to discover its origins by asking one of the founders: Giliola Giurgola, aka Giliola Allen.
Hello, Giliola, can you tell us how and when the Edu3D community was born?
I can share my experience of how this educational and virtual community activity began for me. I was introduced to virtual worlds through a one-year postgraduate master’s program, attended both online and in person, at the Faculty of Education Sciences in Florence. The master’s title was “E-Tutor in Online Learning Environments,” which focused on distance learning specialization. It was the academic year 2007-2008.
What were your first steps in experimenting with virtual worlds?
To explore the virtual world, we collaborated with INDIRE, the National Institute for Educational Research. We visited a region in Second Life, a platform known for various applications, which at the time hosted an environment called Second Learning. Here, together with INDIRE researchers, including Andrea Benassi, we created our avatars and explored this new way of learning. We learned how to navigate, interact, and build educational spaces. Second Learning attracted many people with educational and innovative interests, marking a significant first step.
How did you get to Craft?
In 2012, Second Learning, which was linked to the university, created a world using a government server called Edmondo. This allowed the formation of working groups and communities of innovative teachers eager to experiment with new teaching methodologies. On the other hand, we were a small group of enthusiasts—just two or three people—eager to share creative knowledge and explore scientific curiosities. So, we decided to create an environment in Craft World, a platform accessible without high costs, apart from server expenses. Here, we started designing interactive and playful lessons, collaborating with key figures such as Salazar Stenvaag and Michelangelo Tricarico. From that moment on, we worked to create structured educational experiences, with digital environments specifically designed for learning.
Can you tell us about the fundamental educational principles of Edu3D?
The idea behind Edu3D is to provide an immersive learning environment where teaching is based on experimentation and active participation. Teachers are not merely knowledge transmitters but facilitators in a space where students can explore, build, and collaborate. Community volunteers have contributed their skills to ensure an education that goes beyond theoretical transmission, emphasizing practical experiences.
Who participates in the community?
Edu3D consists of a diverse group of people: teachers, researchers, tutors, as well as technology enthusiasts and volunteers. Not all members are educators—some of the most valuable contributors to the project are digital builders, programmers, or virtual world experts who have helped develop innovative learning environments.
What have been the most important developments, and how are activities conducted today?
Over the years, we have created real learning spaces: classrooms, repositories of educational materials, videos, live lessons, and digital resources for teachers who want to integrate innovative tools into their subjects. For example, children can enter Craft school regions in a protected environment where they can simulate experiences in an educational setting. Our activities continue to grow, and we are open to collaborations with schools and teachers interested in experimenting with new teaching methods.
How do you see the future of Edu3D?
We aim to continue expanding our project, involving more teachers and students. The idea is to create increasingly interactive educational environments and expand the resources available for those who want to adopt innovative methodologies. Technology keeps evolving, and we are ready to adapt to ensure engaging and high-quality learning experiences.
What has been the most exciting aspect of this experience for you?
The best part is seeing how technology can become a real educational opportunity, engaging students in new and stimulating ways. Working with a community of motivated individuals who believe in the power of educational innovation is a unique experience.
Would you like to share a final message for those interested in Edu3D?
Edu3D is an open and collaborative community. If you are interested in exploring new educational tools, you are welcome to join us. There is space for everyone: teachers, students, researchers, and enthusiasts. The key is curiosity and a desire to innovate. See you soon, with great enthusiasm and a willingness to create!
Thank you, Giliola. I join you in extending this invitation to everyone reading this post.
