Presenter: Corinna Stiefelbauer

Abstract : On January 15, 2025, an fnma Talk on Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and XR took place. The talk focused on the importance of customized onboarding measures for the integration of immersive technologies into teaching and learning practice. Within the context of FLEX, this is done, among other things, through a tutorial room and instructions for students and teachers.

Link: Details and recording of the fnma Talk

Presenter: Corinna Stiefelbauer, Michael Posch

Abstract: In a presentation as part of the Lightning Talks: AI in Focus at the University:Future Festival 2025, an application scenario from WU Vienna was presented that deals with the challenge of presenting in front of an unknown audience and responding confidently to critical questions. Many people feel insecure and nervous in such situations, while at the same time the importance of rhetorical skills in a professional and academic context is constantly increasing.

The lecture highlighted the application scenario of the course "Presenting effectively and arguing convincingly", which opens up new ways of promoting social skills through the targeted integration of virtual reality (VR). The combination of VR technology with different feedback loops enables individual adaptation to the different requirements of the students and creates a practical, supportive learning environment.

Link: Recording

Presenters: Rolf Kruse, Maraike Büst, Raphael Zender, Christina Klus, Corinna Stiefelbauer, Jacqueline Schuldt

Abstract : The discussion panel on Extended Reality (XR) provided an exciting platform to shed light on the potential of immersive learning environments. Experts from the uniVERSEty university network (FH Erfurt, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Zeppelin University, Dorothea Erxleben Learning Center Halle, WU Vienna) discussed the practical use of XR in university teaching, in particular how such technologies can actively involve students, promote contextual learning and strengthen future skills such as creative problem solving. The focus was on questions regarding the effectiveness, challenges and future developments of XR applications. The participants discussed how and when XR educational content can be brought to life and made tangible in order to sustainably enrich teaching through simulations and other immersive scenarios. The discussion panel was part of the Innovative Learning track.

Link: Recording

Presenter: Corinna Stiefelbauer

Abstract : A presentation at LEARNTEC 2025 introduced the Future Learning Experience Center (FLEX) at WU Vienna, highlighting the didactic and technical support provided by the FLEX Center, which enables the targeted integration of new technologies into teaching. Inspiring projects that promote the use of innovative methods were also presented. Overall, the event provided a valuable platform for an exchange on current developments in digital teaching.

Link: Post-event report, Linked-In post for review

Authors: Corinna Stiefelbauer

Abstract : The State of XR and Immersive Learning Report presents an application scenario from WU. The report is an annual study by the iLRN that brings together global experts from education, research and technology to analyze trends in immersive learning, highlight innovative teaching methods and forecast developments in XR, AI and experiential learning.

Link: Report

Authors: Corinna Stiefelbauer, Heinrich Söbke (editors of the competition volume)

Abstract: " AVRiL 2025 - Successful VR/AR Learning Scenarios" is a competition organized by the "XR-Learning" working group of the GI specialist groups "Educational Technologies" and "VR/AR". The foreword to the anthology describes the intention of the competition.

The aim of the annual competition is to identify current and effective learning scenarios that use virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) in a didactically meaningful way. In view of the rapid pace of technological progress, VR and AR methods are becoming increasingly commonplace, but to date there has been a lack of generally applicable recommendations for setting up appropriate learning contexts. The competition aims to address this and make good practice examples visible.

Link: Competition volume

Authors: Monika Koller, Eva Marckhgott

Abstract : The speakers provided insights into their "Marketing Insights" course, for which student groups and industry experts used WU's Virtual Campus for coaching sessions. Key takeaways: Extended reality environments for learning purposes should be structured but flexible. Onboarding of all participants is essential when using a new environment. Clear structures and roles are crucial within the didactic framework. Virtual spaces can promote the development of soft skills. Immersive settings increase student engagement and promote the development of professional behavior.

Link: Coaching Session in WU's Virtual Campus (presentation slides).

Authors: Florian Mosböck

Abstract : For the Future Learning Experience Center (FLEX), Florian Mosböck presented an outlook into the future of learning at the intersection of AI and extended reality. Five application examples were selected for the plenary lecture: AI as (1) a tool, (2) a co-creator, (3) a creator, (4) a transmediator and (5) a counterpart. One possible future scenario is an AI that serves as both a tool and a counterpart and also creatively generates content.

Link: AI: From being a tool to being a counterpart (presentation)

Authors: Corinna Stiefelbauer, Andrea Ghoneim

Abstract : As part of the special topic "XR in university teaching - what can immersive technologies do?" on e-teaching.org, a conversation between Corinna Stiefelbauer and Andrea Ghoneim was published. In it, they present the Future Learning Experience project and the use of immersive technologies such as XR to develop and test innovative teaching concepts. Topics discussed included 360° learning scenarios, virtual rhetoric training and icebreaker activities in a social VR environment.

Link: Field report

Authors: Corinna Stiefelbauer

Abstract : The article describes the use of virtual reality in the course "Effective presentation and convincing argumentation" at WU Vienna. The aim of the implementation was to simulate realistic presentation situations and to support students in developing individual rhetorical skills. The text shows how VR and AI are combined with other methods of feedback-driven learning to address different requirements for skills development. Didactic potentials of VR simulation for presentations and AI as a feedback tool as well as experiences from teaching practice are reflected upon.

Link: Guide (Collection)

Authors: Petra Oberhuemer

Abstract : The article describes a teaching scenario from the course "Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technologies" at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, in which students virtually explore a server room with the help of a 360° video. This example is used to show how immersive media can be used to convey technical learning content clearly and provide insights into environments that are otherwise difficult to access.

Link: Guide (Collection)

Authors: Corinna Stiefelbauer, Mathias Dunst-Janko

Abstract : The contribution to the thematic focus "Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and XR - Future Technologies in Focus" is dedicated to the Future Learning Experience Center at WU Vienna and its role in promoting immersive technologies in university teaching. It presents the FLEX Center as an infrastructure and experimental space in which teachers can develop and test 360° scenarios and virtual reality applications for different teaching contexts. It also shows how the Digital Teaching Services team supports teachers in the didactically meaningful integration of technologies and the importance of careful preparation and target group-specific onboarding materials.

Link: fnma Magazin 04/2024

Presenters: Corinna Stiefelbauer, Mathias Dunst-Janko

Abstract : As part of the network conference, the development of a checklist for the design of virtual spaces was discussed in a discursive format. Based on an analysis on literature, including the principles of multimedia learning according to Richard E. Mayer, central design issues were discussed. The focus was on aspects such as dealing with users' different prior knowledge, the replication of real versus the design of fictitious spaces, questions of spatial structure and usability in social VR environments and the importance of avatars for identification and interaction.

Links: Review

Presenters: Andreas Fuchs, Kathrin Knutzen, Rolf Kruse, Patrick Querl, Corinna Stiefelbauer

Abstract : Virtual (learning) environments are often designed for users to interact with objects and content. In contrast, "social reality" refers to applications that make it possible to interact with others in a virtual world despite physical distance, for example in the form of role-playing games or creative workshops. The online event used examples of social reality scenarios to show how the resulting impression of immediate proximity can also support collaboration and learning at universities - and which potentially critical aspects need to be considered when using it in teaching.

Links: Event page and recording

Presenters: Rolf Kruse, Jaqueline Schuldt, Heribert Nacken, Jonas Deuchler, Corinna Stiefelbauer, Djamel Berkaoui, Raymond Chandra, Patrick Querl

Abstract : A virtual tour of the uniVERSEty network led participants through virtual teaching and learning spaces simultaneously as part of the University:FutureFestival and LEARNTEC. This connected participants from face-to-face and online events. They were able to interact as avatars in the 3D environments and learn about different approaches to designing virtual educational spaces. Stations included Erfurt University of Applied Sciences and RWTH Aachen University, where concepts for visualization and social interaction were presented. Participation was possible both as a 3D avatar and with VR glasses and offered practical insights as well as an opportunity to discuss the potential and limitations of virtual teaching and learning spaces.

Links: Event page

Presenters: Kathrin Knutzen, Rolf Kruse, Jaqueline Schuldt, Jonas Deuchler, Silke Schmidt, Corinna Stiefelbauer, Djamel Berkaoui, Raymond Chandra, Patrick Querl.

Abstract : From March 20 to 22, 2024, there was the opportunity to gain an insight into academic institutions and their work on teaching, learning and communicating in virtual spaces. The VR/AR-Learning Days have been organized annually by the GI's VR/AR-Learning working group since 2022 and last three days.

As part of a contribution, the uniVERSEty network presented a tour of virtual immersive university spaces. FH Erfurt, TU Ilmenau, RWTH Aachen, WU Vienna, XR Hub Bavaria and HS Karlsruhe took part in the tour.

Links: Event page

Authors: Corinna Stiefelbauer, Andrea Ghoneim, Petra Oberhuemer, Oliver Vettori

Abstract : The above-mentioned publication in the Journal for Higher Education Development addresses the role of teaching and learning spaces for students' learning success and satisfaction. The focus is on the Future Learning Experience (FLEX) project at WU Vienna, which tests the integration of digital components in teaching and learning scenarios and thus enables flexible teaching, learning and examination scenarios. Among other things, pilot applications with 360° scenarios and virtual reality applications in specific teaching and learning contexts will be presented.

Link: https://zfhe.at/index.php/zfhe/article/view/1764

Presenters: Corinna Stiefelbauer, Mathias Janko

Abstract : The poster presented at the conference introduces immersive teaching and learning scenarios of the Future Learning Experience (FLEX) project of WU Vienna and was awarded the Best Poster Award by the conference committee.

Links: Event review, Proceeding

Presenters: Florian Mosböck, Mathias Dunst-Janko

Abstract : In the workshop "Virtual Tours of Advanced Learning Spaces", organized by the Media & Learning Association on 23 Feb 2023, WU Vienna presented its Virtual Campus. Participants gained insights into the design of virtual classrooms and then discussed the requirements of future virtual learning spaces. The focus was on aspects such as cross-platform access, intuitive navigation, stable internet connections, digital inclusion, interaction options, active learning formats and a seamless connection between virtual and physical presence.

Review in "Media & Learning Workshops & Seminars"

Presenters: Rolf Kruse, Corinna Stiefelbauer

Abstract : In the Lightning Talk "Teaching and learning together in virtual-immersive environments", the uniVERSEty network, in which WU Vienna participates, presented its work. More than 100 participants exchange information about virtual three-dimensional learning environments and share their experiences within this network. The presentation gave an overview of the characteristics, qualities and prerequisites of such learning environments, showed concrete examples and concepts and presented the network's goals, activities and opportunities for participation.

Review and recording

Presenters: Petra Oberhuemer, Corinna Stiefelbauer

Abstract: As part of the BMBWF event, the activities around the Future Learning Experience Center of WU Vienna were presented.

Slides

Presenters: Corinna Stiefelbauer, Mathias Dunst-Janko

Abstract: The contribution to the conference deals with onboarding and support in virtual rooms for international courses. The conference served to get to know each other and exchange ideas, and provided exciting impulses from various projects. In this way, it was possible to work out the focal points of the joint activities of the uniVERSEty network, in which WU Vienna participates.

Review