Gria Sykou (Old Woman Sykou)
Origin
Duration
Target Group
Expected Learning Outcomes
● Aim: To familiarize students with the custom of Gria Sykou and its historical evolution, as well as to experience a modern approach to learning tradition through virtual reality.
● Objectives:
○ To describe the custom of "Kremala" and its connection to Gria Sykou.
○ To identify key historical points in the custom's evolution (e.g., 1937, 1980).
○ To express their impressions and feelings from the immersive virtual reality experience.
○ To discuss the importance of preserving and reviving local customs.
Student knowledge
● Basic understanding of the concept of custom and tradition.
● Interest in history and culture.
● Potentially, some familiarity with technology.
Classroom Organisation
● Standard classroom layout with space for group movement.
● Projector and computer.
● Internet connection.
● VR Headsets (enough to be used either individually or in small groups on a rotating basis).
● Quiet space for the VR experience.
Software & Hardware
● Virtual Reality (VR) application/video depicting the Gria Sykou custom (e.g., a 360° video of the reenactment).
Description
PART A (20 minutes): Introduction and Prior Knowledge
1. Introduction to the topic (5 minutes): The teacher introduces the lesson title and asks students what they know about local customs in Greece or their region.
2. Presentation of the Gria Sykou custom (15 minutes):
○ The teacher explains the ancient custom of "Kremala" in Messini and how it became linked to the myth of Gria Sykou according to the information provided at wilos360.eu .
○ Key historical dates (1937, 1980) and the custom's evolution are mentioned.
○ WORKSHEET #1 is distributed for students to complete as they listen.
PART B (40 minutes): VR Immersive Experience
1. VR Preparation (10 minutes):
○ The teacher explains how to use the VR headsets and provides brief instructions for safe handling.
○ It is clarified that students will watch a reenactment of the custom through virtual reality.
2. Experiencing the custom with VR (20-30 minutes):
○ Students, either individually or in small groups, put on the VR headsets and immerse themselves in the virtual reenactment of the Gria Sykou custom.
○ During this phase, the teacher observes and is available for assistance.
PART C (30 minutes): Discussion and Reflection
1. Immediate impressions (10 minutes):
○ After the VR experience, the teacher asks students to share their initial impressions and feelings.
○ What struck them? How did they feel as if they were there?
2. Discussion and Analysis (15 minutes):
○ The teacher facilitates a discussion based on the information gathered and the VR experience.
○ Questions discussed include: "How did VR help in understanding the custom?" "What is the significance of such customs for a local community?" "How can new technologies contribute to the preservation of tradition?"
3. Feedback and Summary (5 minutes): The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson and assigns WORKSHEET #2 for homework.
