The teacher training workshop titled “Saltwater Intrusion in the Mekong Delta and the Use of Virtual Reality in Education” took place successfully at Can Tho University’s Learning Resource Center. The event gathered high school geography teachers and graduate students from across Can Tho City.

Coordinated by Dr. Huynh Quang Nghi, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Thi Thuy Diem, MSc. Mai Phuc Thinh, and a dedicated organizing team, the workshop aimed to introduce educators to immersive teaching tools while addressing one of the region’s most pressing environmental issues: salt intrusion.

Participants were presented with a scientific report detailing the current state of saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta, followed by interactive Q&A sessions that deepened understanding of the phenomenon. One of the workshop’s key highlights was the hands-on training with virtual reality (VR) headsets, led by the SIMPLE project team based at Can Tho University.

In addition, the team introduced and discussed the integration of “Aquadefenders”, a VR game developed to simulate real environmental challenges in the Mekong region. Through in-depth discussions, teachers explored how this immersive tool could enhance classroom learning and student engagement.

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers appreciated the improvements made to the VR experience since previous sessions and engaged in lively discussions about adapting the content to suit classroom settings in Vietnam.

In the coming months, the SIMPLE team at Can Tho University will expand its implementation to additional provinces, bringing immersive VR experiences to more students and educators across the Mekong Delta.