In the latest episode of our podcast Schampar digital, we look at the possibilities of virtual reality (VR) in vocational education. Our guest is Martin Berger from the PH Zurich. Among other things, he provides insights into a project in which a VR environment was developed to prepare apprentices from the electrical industry for their final examination. In the interview, Martin Berger explains how this virtual learning environment helps apprentices to practise in a practical way and without any real risks. An accompanying field study shows positive results: Apprentices were able to improve their exam grades by one grade on average.
In addition to the electrical industry, VR is also increasingly being used in other areas, for example in the healthcare sector or in teacher training. Immersive technologies offer flexible and interactive learning environments that open up new possibilities for knowledge transfer.
In this episode, we discuss both the opportunities and challenges of VR in education. What prerequisites are necessary for VR to be used effectively? What challenges do educational institutions need to overcome and what role does the technical equipment play?
Listen now (in German) to find out more about the potential and limitations of VR in education and what developments we can expect in the future.
Martin Berger is a lecturer in the Secondary Level II/Vocational Education department and researches the implementation of learning technologies in vocational education.
In the episode we talk about these projects:
- Virtual reality as a place of learning for basic vocational education: Action-competent through immersive learning experiences (funded in the 1st project call DIZH innovation program)
- XR, KI and Biofeedback: Technology-supported stress management training for professionals in the nursing profession
- Embodied Conversational Agents for the development of professional communication skills: Design and evaluation of a learning environment with virtual conversational agents for retailers
- Virtual Reality Biofeedback: A longitudinal study of technology-based stress management training for teachers
Schampar digital
Our hosts are Frank Richter snd Jessica Reust.
Sound engeneering: Jessica Reust
Sound: Daniel Hug, ZHdK
Cover: Patrik Ferrarelli, ZHdK
Schampar digital can be found on all common podcast platforms.