Communities in Virtual Learning Spaces

Concerns

This research group is dedicated to exploring the constitution and evolution of communities in virtual learning spaces. Using social VR and interactive 3D technologies, it aims to explore and increase interactivity and engagement in digital educational environments. By analyzing the adoption and implementation of these technologies, we aim to transform pedagogical practices and promote an inclusive educational landscape that can provide educational access and experiences for all learners, regardless of their physical, cognitive or social conditions.

Mitglieder der Forschungsgruppe — Forschungsgruppenmitglieder (Norbert Pengel, Thomas T. Richter, Emma Weidhaas, Jonathan Dyrna, Johanna Spirling, Mattis Altmann, Kevin Hoang, Alexander Clauss; v. li. n. re.)

Main topics

Development and evaluation of social VR applications for educational contexts
Investigation of support models within online communities
Design and implementation of immersive VR learning environments

Research questions

The research group "Communities in Virtual Learning Spaces" is interested in the organizational, didactic and individual level. It aims to take a holistic view of the object of investigation. The following central questions serve as a starting point.

Organizational level:

What are the requirements for the design of learning and knowledge communities in virtual environments?
What factors influence the suitability and implementation of (social) VR learning environments and tools for educational and communication purposes?

Didactic level:

How should supervision concepts be designed to support online knowledge communities?
How can (social) VR learning environments and interactive virtual 360-degree panoramic learning spaces be designed didactically to promote the learning experience and learning outcome?

Individual level:

How can learners and learning facilitators build skills for proactive participation in communities in virtual environments?
What factors influence the technology acceptance of (social) VR learning environments and tools?

Research approaches and methods

The group uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods to gain insights into the dynamics of use and pedagogical effectiveness of VR in educational environments. This includes the development of prototypical learning environments and their empirical evaluation.
Competencies for the implementation of design science research approaches and technology acceptance models as well as (meta-)statistical social research will be developed and expanded.

Further information

Publications

118 Entries

2026

Participatory development and mixed-methods evaluation of immersive VR training for radiation protection and nuclear safeguards - KISSKettler, J., Dyrna, J., Koslowski, D., Laumen, L., Malirsch, T. & Köhler, T., 14 May 2026, In: Kerntechnik. 91, 3, 17 p.Electronic (full-text) versionResearch output: Contribution to journal > Research article
How XR shapes the future of higher educationZender, R., Mulders, M., Wiepke, A. P., Dyrna, J., Möhring, T., Kaninski, L., Lucke, U. & 5 others, 13 Mar 2026, In: i-com : journal of interactive media. 25, 1, p. 3-17, 15 p.Electronic (full-text) versionResearch output: Contribution to journal > Research article
Reframing the sustainability-quality trade-off: The role of social virtual reality in academic conferencingRömer, N., Dyrna, J., Merkel-Kiss, M., Markgraf, D. & Köhler, T., 31 Jan 2026, In: Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning : JETOL. 9, 1, p. 100-122, 23 p.Electronic (full-text) versionResearch output: Contribution to journal > Research article
Digitale Lösungen für Kompetenzentwicklung und Genehmigungsmanagement im RückbauKettler, J., Dyrna, J., Mönig, H., Wilden, A., Modolo, G., Aymanns, K., Wippler, D. & 24 others, Jan 2026, In: ATW - Internationale Zeitschrift fur Kernenergie. 71, 1, p. 16-21, 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal > Research article

2025

“Hey AI, how can I design my lesson for tomorrow?”. First insights into pre-service teachers’ use of artificial intelligence for lesson planningNeuburg, C., Dyrna, J., Bremer, V., Reichert, L., Schneider, J. & Thomas, A., 18 Sep 2025, Proceedings Gemeinschaften in Neuen Medien. KI & Menschlichkeit: Technologie in sozialer Verantwortung: 28. Workshop GeNeMe‘25 Gemeinschaften in Neuen Medien. Köhler, T., Schoop, E. & Sonntag, R. (eds.). Dresden: Dresden : TUDpressResearch output: Contribution to book/conference proceedings/anthology/report > Conference contribution
Ist Social Virtual Reality eine geeignete Alternative für wissenschaftliche Konferenzen?: Empirische Einblicke aus einer PilotstudieRömer, N., Dyrna, J., Markgraf, D. & Merkel-Kiss, M., 18 Sep 2025, Proceedings Gemeinschaften in Neuen Medien. KI & Menschlichkeit: Technologie in sozialer Verantwortung: 28. Workshop GeNeMe‘25 Gemeinschaften in Neuen Medien. Köhler, T., Schoop, E. & Sonntag, R. (eds.). Dresden: Dresden : TUDpressResearch output: Contribution to book/conference proceedings/anthology/report > Conference contribution
Design Principles for Virtual Reality Training in the Nuclear Sector: An Empirical Study and Early Framework DevelopmentKoslowski, D., Anthofer, A. P., Dyrna, J., Kettler, J., Köhler, T. & Thomas, A., 17 Sep 2025, p. 76Research output: Contribution to conferences > Abstract
Digitale und KI-gestützte Lösungen für einen sicheren und effizienten Rückbau kerntechnischer Anlagen: Das Forschungs- und Entwicklungsvorhaben “K.I.S.S.”Kettler, J., Dyrna, J., Mönig, H., Wilden, A., Modolo, G., Aymanns, K., Wippler, D. & 34 others, 17 Sep 2025, 17. Internationales Symposium "Konditionierung radioaktiver Betriebs- und Stilllegungsabfälle & Stilllegung kerntechnischer Anlagen". p. 12Research output: Contribution to book/conference proceedings/anthology/report > Conference contribution
Prior virtual reality experience and its determinants in educational settings: Insights from secondary data analysis of three previous studies from 2021 to 2025Dyrna, J., Joos, R., Herchet, M. & Köhler, T., 9 Sep 2025, 23. Fachtagung Bildungstechnologien (DELFI 2025). Köppen, V. & Strickroth, S. (eds.). Freiberg, p. 25-39, 15 p.Electronic (full-text) versionResearch output: Contribution to book/conference proceedings/anthology/report > Conference contribution
Is social virtual reality a suitable alternative for academic conferences?: Empirical insights from a pilot study Römer, N., Dyrna, J., Markgraf, D., Merkel-Kiss, M. & Fischer, K., 26 Aug 2025, p. 169, 1 p.Electronic (full-text) versionResearch output: Contribution to conferences > Abstract