Center for Educational Development and Technology: Getting to Know Each Other Remotely with the Four-Corners Method in Virtual Space

To make methods from in-person teaching also experienceable and testable in virtual environments, the fuels team at TU Darmstadt has conceptually adapted the classical didactical method “Four-Corners Method” for use in virtual live collaboration scenarios.

This project was implemented as part of "fuels – Future Learning Spaces“ in 2023

The Four-Corners Method is suitable both for capturing opinions within a group and for enabling participants to get to know each other. In this method, the four corners of the room represent different statements or viewpoints to which participants can assign themselves. This approach supports the identification, reflection, and discussion of individual interests, contexts, and opinions within the teaching-learning context. No prior knowledge is required, as systematic knowledge is not assessed in this context.

The focus of this scenario is on fostering introductions and interactions within a group. In designing the use case, both the perspectives of teachers and learners were taken into account. Special attention was given to developing the functionalities and layout of the virtual space so that teachers can independently and flexibly plan and implement the method in their teaching. Key functionalities include displaying statements or questions, designing and assigning room segments, integrating a timer function, statistically evaluating responses, and enabling a voice chat for interaction. Additionally, a Moodle editor was developed to enable teachers to create and upload their own texts, questions, and answer options.

The design of the virtual space follows the methodological approach of the Four-Corners Method. Participants position themselves in the virtual space according to the questions or theses provided by the teacher in the designated areas. These areas represent possible answers or viewpoints. Participants who are undecided remain in a specially designated area. The voice chat enables participants to communicate and exchange ideas with each other and the teacher.

The technical implementation of this concept is planned for 2025.

fuels taxonomy

#Size --> Spaces
#Tag --> at campus / at home
#Technology --> VR
#Didactic --> collaboration
Learn more about the fuels taxonomy

Contact

fuels Team – E-Learning Group – TU Darmstadt