Immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) open up new dimensions of learning by enabling presence, interaction, and embodied experiences. While cognitive effects and affordances like presence and flow have been widely studied, affective learning variables—such as emotional involvement and empathy—remain underrepresented. Yet VR is particularly suited to support experiential and emotion-driven learning.
This talk provides an overview of empirical studies across various educational contexts—from vocational training (HandLeVR) to school-based (Anne Frank VR, Greenpeace XR) and university settings (VR-Hybrid).
A special focus is placed on how the effects of immersive technologies—such as motivational activation, attention focusing, or cognitive overload—unfold at different stages of the learning process, and what insights can be drawn for designing meaningful learning environments. Theoretical framing is provided by the CID framework from Loibl et al. (2024), which allows for a differentiated analysis of complex learning arrangements. The aim is to contribute to the discussion on how the potential of immersive technologies can be harnessed not only for cognitive but also for affective learning processes in a didactic context.
Bio: Dr. Miriam Mulders is a postdoctoral researcher and team leader at the Learning Lab of the University of Duisburg-Essen. Her research focuses on the instructional design and empirical investigation of immersive learning environments using Virtual and Augmented Reality. She leads and contributes to several research projects, including HandLeVR and VR-Hybrid.
Please note: The talk will be held in German.