Future Learning Spaces

VR Learning Environments

Virtual Reality (VR) refers to a computer-generated, interactive environment that enables an immersive perception of the digital world. Through special VR headsets, which present visual and often also auditory stimuli in real time, users experience a sense of presence within this artificial environment. Depending on the technical setup and the application scenario, VR can simulate a fully virtual world or be combined with the real environment through mixed reality approaches. Interaction takes place via motion control, controllers, or haptic feedback systems, allowing for active experience and manipulation of the virtual environment. All offers and practical examples in this field are developments within the context of the ‘Future Learning Spaces’ project (fuels).

The fuels project at a glance

VR goggles with controllers
VR goggles with controllers

Virtual Reality (VR) offers extensive potential in university teaching, particularly in the field of collaborative learning. Through immersive learning environments, students can experience their learning space interactively, making content more vivid and easier to understand. VR also enables location-independent collaboration, allowing learners from various geographical regions to work together on projects and engage in (academic) discussions within virtual spaces.

Simulations in virtual environments open up new didactic possibilities across a wide range of disciplines — for example, through realistic reproductions of experimental laboratory settings, simulations of operational or environmental scenarios, historical reconstructions of ancient cities or eras, diverse social interaction situations, and more. Moreover, interaction in VR enhances social presence and student engagement, which can have a positive effect on motivation and learning outcomes. To fully harness these diverse opportunities, the integration of VR into teaching requires careful didactic planning, an introduction to the technology, and the provision of appropriate technical resources.

Examples for Virtual Reality Learning Environments

Within the fuels project , VR represents a wide range of learning contexts – from collaborative work formats and problem-based learning approaches with playful elements to immersive learning space experiences. In addition, the technology enables the execution of virtual experiments, supporting practical and interactive knowledge transfer.

Qualification and Support Offers

We support you in the didactic design and technical implementation of teaching-learning scenarios in Virtual Reality (VR). Feel free to contact us:

Our offer includes:

  • Support in the concretization of your own objectives (in the context of the learning content to be conveyed) through the use of VR
  • Support in your didactic considerations regarding target group, learning content, and methodology (explorative, gamified, collaborative, problem-oriented)
  • Onboarding and didactic consultation for the use of the virtual environment
  • Support in the estimation of effort
  • Presentation of the technical process and procedures for the digitization of real objects or the integration of already existing 3D objects, as well as the expansion through interaction options
  • Support in the selection of the virtual environment or technical consultation in building your own VR environment