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.

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

Projects

Current projects

Type of project	Project title	Funding body / qualification level	Tasks of the group management	Duration
Research project	Preliminary study on the OER initiative of Saxon universities	HD Saxony	Sub-project coordination and processing	ongoing until 06/2024
Research and development project	Connection of a virtual immersive 3D learning platform to the national education networking infrastructure using the domain example of an educational institution(AVILAB2)	BMBF	Sub-project coordination and processing	ongoing until 09/2024

Completed projects

Type of project	Project title	Funding body / qualification level	Tasks of the group management	Duration
Research and development project	SOLL2: Social teaching/learning arrangement for the sustainable dissemination of new teaching/learning cultures	SMWK	Project coordination and processing	09/2017 - 12/2018
Research and development project	ISLA: Indicator-based social learning analytics for monitoring learning processes and learning objectives in virtual communities	SMWK	Project coordination and processing	09/2017 - 12/2018
Research and development project	Digital educational offerings in the real estate industry using virtual reality (DOmIcILE-VR)	ESF and Free State of Saxony	Work package management and processing	05/2019 - 04/2022
Research and development project	Promoting the participation of micro and small enterprises in further training through digital learning scenarios (weiter.digital)	ESF and Free State of Saxony	Sub-project coordination and processing	06/2019 - 05/2022
Research and development project	Further development and modernization of a teaching concept on product safety for university education (PROSUmEr)	BAuA	Project coordination and processing	11/2017 - 05/2020
Research and development project	TU Dresden Collaborative Online International, Interdisciplinary & Intercultural Learning	DAAD	Sub-project coordination and processing	10/2020 - 09/2021

Selected publications

Dyrna, J. (2022). Wohnungsabnahmen virtuell trainieren: Entwicklung eines Virtual Reality-Lernszenarios für Immobilienverwaltende. MedienPädagogik: Zeitschrift für Theorie und Praxis der Medienbildung, 47, 172-195. https://doi.org/10.21240/mpaed/47/2022.04.09.X

Dyrna, J., Brade, M., Liebscher, M, & Bohn, T. (2021). Can Virtual Reality Enhanced Role-Play Scenarios Using Mobile Devices Enrich Classroom Learning? A Case Study. In 7th International Conference on Education. Empowering Learners In a Digital World (S. 86). TIIKM. [Joint Best Presentation Award]

Dyrna, J., Gnauck, D., & Kasper, B. (2019). PROSUmEr - Ein interaktives, nachhaltiges Lehrkonzept zur proaktiven Produkt- und Maschinensicherheit für die universitäre Ausbildung. Sicher ist sicher, 70, 488-492.

Dyrna, J., Stöhr, K., & Pippig, M. (2022). Do learners experience spatial and social presence in interactive environments based on 360-degree panoramas? A pilot study and future research agenda. In T. Köhler, E. Schoop, N. Kahnwald, & R. Sonntag (Hrsg.). Communities in New Media. Digitality and Diversity Overcoming Barriers with digital Transformation (S. 259-268). TUDPress.

Clauss, A. (2017). Rahmenbedingungen und Anreize zur Gestaltung proaktiver Lern- und Wissenscommunities: Anforderungen an das Community Management. In T. Köhler, E. Schoop, & N. Kahnwald (Eds.), Wissensgemeinschaften in Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und öffentlicher Verwaltung. 20. Workshop GeNeMe‘17 Gemeinschaften in Neuen Medien (S. 1–12). Sächsisches Digitaldruck Zentrum.

Topics for qualification work

Analyzing social interaction in virtual learning communities: Investigating how social presence and a sense of community can be fostered in virtual learning environments.
The role of gamification in virtual learning spaces: How gamification elements influence learner engagement and motivation in VR-based educational environments.
Accessibility in virtual learning environments: Exploring the accessibility of VR learning applications for individuals with physical or sensory impairments.

Research group leader