Prototype testing event at i4L opening
CeMeWE is part of Laurea University of Applied Science’s new Integration and Language Learning Living Lab (i4L). We had the opportunity participate in the opening of the i4L to showcase our prototypes and tools, such as the serious game Journey to Employment. We got a lot of good feedback for the tools and methods and will continue the codesign process.
Vice President Mari Vuolteenaho held the opening speech, where she said the opening of the i4L marks ” a beginning of a transformative journey that brings together innovation, collaboration, and the shared vision of creating a more inclusive and connected society.”
She continued to tell that “The Finnish society needs people from abroad to come to Finland and participate in building this society. It is crucial that the people coming to Finland integrate and want to stay, and feel at home in Finland.” Vice President Vuolteenaho also told us that Laurea is committed to the long-term development towards strengthening inclusion and a safe society.
About the living lab we learned that “The i4L is not just a physical space; it is an ecosystem—a hub where developers, service providers, students, businesses, communities, and researchers converge. It is committed to human-centered development. Our Living Lab thrives on collaboration. We believe that the best ideas emerge when diverse minds come together. Developers collaborate with students, service providers brainstorm with businesses, and communities engage with researchers.”
Finally Vice President Vuolteenaho invited each of us – students, professionals, community members – to actively participate in the work of the i4L. “Your insights, your passion, and your commitment will shape the future of Integration and Language Learning Living Lab.”
We had the pleasure of hosting a lot of codevelopers at the event. Our students of social work facilitated a playing session of their own version of a game for immigrants’ career paths at their workshop. We had also the chance of testing tools for language learning, developed at the MALL-project currently running also in the i4L.
