There is a powerful new resource for students (and their teachers) preparing for a position in the workforce. Called 3Plus-U, this fully animated interactive adventure into the world of work, is a featured part of the UN’s Cyberschoolbus web site.

A lively array of stories, challenges, adventures and quizzes on this Flash enabled site introduce students to the fundamental rights of people in the work place and many other important work-related issues. “We wanted to leverage the knowledge base of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to empower a youth audience to make informed judgements about their future in the workforce before they enter it,” said Kevin Cassidy Communications Manager for the ILO’s Declaration of Fundamental Rights and Principles at Work.

Cassidy also pointed out that the web technology made it possible to utilize a medium with which the youth audience already has an active relationship. “ We were able to present the information in a playful, exciting way to deliver an edifying and memorable experience.”

The learning by playing model informs the programming of 3Plus-U to great effect. An upbeat techno soundtrack and a style of animation usually seen in the latest hit cartoon shows give this highly informative package many of the attractive qualities of an action adventure video game.

The site has three animated guides – Toshi, Kaia and Isabelle – each of whom interacts with visitors in a different way. This navigational architecture increases stickiness as it entices visitors to return to discover the paths of the other characters not already selected. Toshi, an adventurer uses maps to explore work in different parts of the world. Isabelle, the computer whiz searches out facts and statistics to create an understanding of the importance of protecting people at work. Kaia is an avid reader and has many stories about people at work whose lives have been improved by ILO programmes.

There is also a teachers’ link offering a rich source of curricular support. Developed by the ILO and Education International, it provides ways that classes can explore more deeply the work-related issues addressed by the ILO.

Given that almost every student will one day be an employee or employer, a knowledge of basic workplace rights, as well as ways to protect and foster them, is vital preparation. Using up to date technology to reach out to students and engage their interest is a key objective of the ILO. “There is everything to gain when we make the next generation aware of how each one can contribute to the global community by participating in the development of a future that is more socially and economically equitable”, stated Zoreh Tabatabai, the ILO’s Director of Communications.