A ‘Virtual Reality’ experience like none other!

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Kirron Kanjani
Director, South East Asia & Senior Career Counsellor at ICS

Lockdown, social distancing, masks, work from home, online learning are some terms that will remain constant in our memories for years to come.

For Gen Alpha (born in year 2010 and later) nothing will be as memorable as these times of a hybrid experience of the virtual and real worlds.

My Alpha kid too had an amazing encounter with the online world and in the most fun way imaginable. A virtual birthday bash as real as any physical kids’ party that I’ve seen – and even more enjoyable if I may say so!

Overcoming the challenge of physical distancing

Who would have imagined a year ago that we could organise, even outsource, a planned online birthday party?

Here, in Bangkok, with kids being confined to homes and imposition of strict restrictions on social gatherings, it was sad to see my super active 7-year-old missing out on his birthday fun.

This prompted me to conduct a quick research and come up with a plan to host an online birthday celebration (Zoom meeting) with my son Samarth’s close friends.

Although the idea sounded interesting, I couldn’t quite fathom how to combine a virtual meeting, which for me was more about useful learning workshops, with the fun of a birthday party for children.

‘Kids Kuriocity’ steps in to weave its magic

Thankfully, I came across something unique and very interesting – a YouTube channel that goes by the name of ‘Kids Kuriocity’ and is run by a lady of many talents – Tripti Rastogi.

Tripti is a virtual puppet-and-experiential story teller for children. Not only does she tell stories, but also brings in a variety of colours and shapes, elements of imagination and curiosity, and lots of sparkling interactions. In her, I found someone who could convert my ideas into a lifetime experience for my son and his friends!

Keeping my son’s love for helicopters in mind, Kids Kuriocity weaved in magic around this theme for the virtual birthday bash – and in just a week’s time. What all did it have? Here’s a glimpse:

• Heli-themed audio-visual PowerPoint presentation on the birthday boy
• The True Saviour – An original and interactive story telling session on ‘Hero Helicopters’ – with fun Heli characters!
• Craft Activity 1: Helicopter wings that could be used as a toy
• Craft Activity 2: Wooden helicopter that could be used as a paper clip
• ‘How well you know the birthday boy’ quiz
• Run around the house, guess the riddle and bring the stuff in front of the camera!
• Cake-cutting and photo session with the birthday boy

I was amazed, thrilled and excited! Invitations were sent, confirmations received, and pre-prepared craft activity kits and goody bags with return gifts and prizes were sent to the participating kids before the party day.

I always thought that it was hard for kids to stay focused online but this unique experience changed my view. The variety of games and activities conducted not only entertained Gen-Alphas but also kept their mothers glued to the virtual birthday bash!

‘From I don’t want a virtual birthday party’ to ‘this was the most awesome birthday party I could ever have during the lockdown’ was my reward for planning this one-of-its-kind treat for my son.

A whole new range of careers

As a career counsellor, this event also opened my mind to a whole new range of emerging career options in our increasingly digital world. Some of these are: Virtual Story Teller, Virtual Event Planner, Online Kids’ Influencer, and Online Craft / Performing Arts Teacher.

It also made me realise that all limitations are in our minds. At a time, when so many in the world were feeling restricted and caged, we could be a part of such an engaging, interactive and participatory event.

Tips for students

• Open your minds to different possibilities
• Develop your unique skills without any borders and limits attached
• Adapt and re-tune your talents as the situation demands and let your creative ideas take wings!

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