The opportunity for students to engage with history in a unique and innovative manner has now become a reality, thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology bringing 3D Holocaust survivors into the classroom. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide an immersive learning experience for pupils, enabling them to engage in virtual conversations with survivors and explore significant historical sites through the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets.
With the number of Holocaust survivors dwindling and instances of antisemitism on the rise, there is an increasing need to find alternative methods to educate younger generations about the atrocities that occurred under Nazi Germany. Developed by the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Testimony 360 programme captures survivors responding to a comprehensive set of questions, ensuring that they can address virtually any inquiry posed by a student. This recorded testimony, in conjunction with AI technology, creates the illusion of a natural conversation with the survivor.
Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, underscores the significance of this initiative in combating conspiracy theories and misinformation that circulate on social media. She emphasizes the importance of upholding the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring that students comprehend the real experiences of those who lived through it.
The first Holocaust survivor to participate in this programme is 94-year-old Manfred Goldberg. Having spent five days being filmed within a green screen rig using special volumetric capture cameras, Mr. Goldberg answered over 1,000 questions to ensure that his virtual self can provide detailed and meaningful responses to students. His testimonial is slated to be the inaugural installment in a series of virtual testimonies from survivors that will be accessible in schools from 2025.
The Testimony 360 programme was officially inaugurated at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Camberwell, London, representing a significant stride towards revolutionizing the teaching and comprehension of history. As students are given the opportunity to engage in “conversations” with Holocaust survivors and explore pivotal historical sites through VR technology, a memorable and impactful educational experience is forged, ensuring that the stories of survivors endure for generations to come.
Mr. Goldberg, reflecting on his experience, expressed his amazement at witnessing his story and himself immortalized in this manner. He acknowledges the potential of this initiative to reach a broader audience and create a truly remarkable legacy for survivors.
As technology continues to advance and influence the way in which we learn and comprehend history, the Testimony 360 programme stands as a powerful tool in preserving the memory of the Holocaust and imparting its significance to future generations. By combining AI technology with the real-life testimonies of survivors, this initiative offers a compelling and immersive educational experience that is both impactful and invaluable.