Projects & Cooperation

Fuels project: Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality, also referred to as VR, is a computer-generated simulation of environments that allows the user to feel and interact as part of that environment. This is achieved by the user wearing VR goggles. Depending on the headset and application, VR technology allows immersion in a virtual environment or simulation.

To the project overview: fuels - Future Learning Spaces

VR goggles with controllers

In the context of the fuels project, the focus of VR applications is seen in the context of the many possible applications in university teaching. The potential here is great.

VR is understood as one tool among many and is used as a supplement to other learning methods. For example, concepts can be illustrated or action skills can be improved. Similarly, VR experiences can be particularly attractive to students and help them to be more engaged and motivated.

The following projects reflect the diversity of possible uses for VR in the teaching context.

VR Products from the Fuels Project:

In 2022, the following project was created:

The virtual ComputerStudienWerkstatt (CSW) is the first VR learning environment to be launched as part of the fuels project at the TU Darmstadt. This is a contemporary learning and experience space for learning with and via digital media, which is developed with “Mozilla Hubs” and implemented in a technically partially textured way.

The CSW is actually located at the Institute for General and Vocational Pedagogy of the Faculty of Human Sciences at the TU Darmstadt; the transfer to virtual space that has now taken place was created in cooperation with the fuels team of the E-Learning group.

In particular, the project will focus not only on the media design but also on the expansion of the space and the examination of learning space concepts from a media education perspective.

On 18.11.2022, the ComputerStudienWerkstatt was presented in virtual reality by Marcella Haller from the fuels team at the “4 Digital Phenomenal” conference. 35 students were simultaneously on their way to discover the virtual space. In dialogue with the media educator Prof. Dr. Petra Grell, the participants received suggestions for the design of didactic scenarios within schools, universities and adult education with a focus on collaboration and playful learning.

The conference “4 Digital Phenomenal” is organised annually by the Institute of General Education with a focus on media education at the TU Darmstadt as part of the module Media Education. The focus is on (digital) teaching and learning materials created by student teachers as well as topics related to digitalisation in all phases of teacher training. The conference is aimed at students of the Technical University of Darmstadt as well as cooperation partners, teachers, and interested parties with the aim of promoting exchange and networking between the target groups.

fuels-Taxonomy
#Size -> Spaces
#Tag -> at campus / at home
#Technology -> VR
#Didactic -> collaboration, explorative

For details on the fuels taxonomy, see Didactics for Future Learning Spaces

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Petra Grell – General pedagogy with a focus on media education
Marcella Haller / fuels-Team – E-Learning Group – TU Darmstadt

Further examples of Future Learning Spaces

360° learning environments
360° learning environments