The Centre for Virtual Learning Technologies focuses on activities in three intersecting tracks:
The tracks are described in more detail below.
The Bachelor of Natural Science based at the Department of Science and Environment at RUC wants to meet the students with a high quality, engaging and modern learning environment supported by VLT. VLT are digital technologies that can be used to support learning, teaching and assessment. Initially VLT will be implemented across the existing courses and in RUCs model for Problem-oriented Project Learning (PPL) with a focus on how the interventions benefit students’ learning. The results from the initial phase will ultimately feed into the design of a new subject module in the bachelor programme: Bioprocess Science. In addition to the integration of VLT in the practice of learning and teaching track 1 will also strengthen the students’ IT competences. Society of today and the future is becoming increasingly focused on how digital technologies can be used in meaningful and valuable ways and consequently there is a growing demand from future employers for graduates with the strengthened IT competences. Finally, the use of VLT and the strengthened IT competences will be aligned with the student recruitment activities in order to actively recruit more students to the Bachelor of Natural Science.
In summary the aims of track 1 are:
The research project involves a two-fold approach to understanding the impact of immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) in science education.
In the first fold, we aim to devise and test pedagogical approach(es) that integrate 3D as well as VR simulations developed by Labster into the RUC’s undergraduate Biotechnology curriculum. Testing of the integrated pedagogical approach(es) will be conducted in the form of a year-long longitudinal study.
In the second fold, we plan to conduct a design-based research (DBR) study which will involve in-house design, development and testing of VR-environments to promote embodied learning of undergraduate science concepts. The design and testing of these VR environments will be inspired by contemporary perspectives and principles in extended, embodied and situated cognition; thus, primarily focussing on the learning-design principle of interactivity.
The centre has taken the initiative to establish a network across the Danish universities with a focus on VR as a learning technology. The network currently comprises of members from: University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, University of Southern Denmark, Aalborg University, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen Business School and Roskilde University.
The Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science has awarded Roskilde University (RUC) a DKK 20 million extraordinary grant for the project: Virtual Learning Technologies in Science Education. The project is aiming at broad integration of virtual learning technologie (VLT) in science education and with a specific focus on researching the benefits of simulations and Virtual Reality (VR). With the grant, RUC is implementing, developing and researching VR- and 3D-simulations at the Bachelor in Natural Sciences programme within a timeframe expanding from 2018 to 2021.
Søren Larsen, Centre leader, slars@ruc.dk
Researcher at Centre for Virtual Laerning Technologies
The Centre is organised with a steering committee, a center leader and three overlapping tracks.
The steering committee consists of the Roskilde University's Rector Hanne Leth Andersen, Pro-rector Peter Kjær and the four department heads.
The Centre has taken the initiative to establish a network across Danish universities focusing on VR as a learning technology. The network currently consists of:
University of Copenhagen
Aarhus University
University of Southern Denmark
Roskilde University
Aalborg University
Technical University of Denmark and
Copenhagen Business School.
Contact Søren Larsen at slars@ruc.dk for more information.
The International Bachelor in Natural Sciences and Learning Technologies
Project leader Per Meyer Jepsen, Associate professor, phone +45 4674 2396, pmjepsen@ruc.dk
Impacts of Virtual Learning Technology in Science Education
Project leader Prajakt Pande, post-doc, phone +45 4674 3798, pande@ruc.dk
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference abstract for conference › Research › peer-review
Mojsoska, B. (Speaker)
Activity: Talk or presentation › Lecture and oral contribution
Mojsoska, B. (Participant)
Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
Mojsoska, B. (Participant)
Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
20/09/2022
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media
16/08/2022
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media
30/03/2022
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media
Virtual Learning Technologies in Science Education is serving as both a Technology Pact (in Danish: Teknologipagten) project and ambassador.
The Technology Pact ambition it to strengthen the interest and competences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the Danish society.
The Centre is based at Department of Science and Environment and Department of People and Technology
Participating research units: Molecular and Medical Biology Research group
Relevant degree programs: Molecular Biology // Computer Science // Humanistisk-Teknologisk Bachelor (DK) // International Bachelor in Naturral Sciences
Find additional information about Centre for Virtual Learing Technologies:
Søren Larsen
Centre leader
Phone +45 4674 2747
slars@ruc.dk