Events

On June 17, 2023, the Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) also opened its doors to science enthusiasts as part of the Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften (Long Night of Science). From 5 p.m. to 12 p.m., participants were invited to perform fascinating experiments, listen to science shows and lectures, or admire exhibitions representing the research at the university. Among them, our project also introduced itself and encouraged participants to take part in an interactive XR rally across the campus.

Whether tall or short, young or old, at the four stations the visitors could virtually explore biotechnology laboratories, look behind the scenes of a theater stage in the VR room, or experience mathematical functions in a virtual world. Studying the plant cell in one's own hands or getting to know virtual forms of therapeutic treatments in rehabilitation clinics was possible at two other stations of the rally. The grand finale of the rally comprised the raffle for two places in the laser parcours of the CAVE.

You missed the LNDW 2023 at the BHT? In an interview with radioeins and colleagues from BHT Berlin, Prof. Dr. Steffen Prowe, project leader, provides an insight behind the scenes of the MINT-VR-Labs.

On February 8, 2023, the MINT-VR-Labs project team of the Berliner Hochschule für Technik invited participants to learn about current issues and findings in the virtual realms of academic teaching. After a short introduction of the project team and a welcoming speech by the Vice President for Studies, Teaching and Continuing Education (VPL) Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dieter Pumpe, the stage was set for interesting keynote talks of renowned scientists.

How can the digital transformation of academic teaching be accomplished?

To what extent are AR/VR applications implementable in academic teaching? In the first lecture, Sabine Römer (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) showed not only how a smooth start could be achieved, but also which factors have to be taken into consideration beforehand. Dr. Miriam Mulders (Universität Duisburg-Essen) then presented how students can use virtual worlds to gain self-directed learning experiences in authentic environments or to overcome physical limits experimentally. Using numerous application examples, she illustrated the opportunities and challenges of using virtual games in teaching. Dr. Pia Spangenberger (TU Berlin) then clarified the term "serious games" and described the research findings on game-based elements in teaching that have already been obtained.

When does the application of virtual tools in teaching make sense and which hurdles have to be overcome on a technical level beforehand?

Afterwards, the thematic input was discussed by students and teachers of the BHT together with the speakers in a FishBowl. In addition, participants were able to contribute their ideas for AR/VR and experiences. Having coffee and cake, participants could not only ask theoretical questions, but also had the opportunity to try the already realized virtual lab experiments from different departments of the BHT (hands-on).

Although the event ended at around 5:30 p.m., the learnings can be carried over into future applications and thus help shaping the future of digital transformation. We would like to thank the speakers and the guests for their participation.