VR-VOLL

Successful First Consortium Meeting of the Erasmus+ KA220 Project "VR-VOLL

On 18 and 19 January 2022, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences invited all project participants of the research project "Virtual Reality for Vocationally Oriented Language Learning", in short "VR-VOLL", to the kick-off meeting. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic situation, the event took place online. Flensburg University of Applied Sciences is responsible for the project and its implementation. In addition to organisational topics related to the project, the focus was on introducing and getting to know the individual consortium partners as well as explaining the different focal points of the project. Two days of intensive interaction lie behind the almost 20 participants and it was obvious that the discussions were carried forward with a high level of intensity and, above all, with great interest. The interaction during the meeting made it clear to all partners how important it is to link the individual focal points with each other in order to be able to implement the planned projects and thus ultimately achieve the goal of the project. The aim of the project is to identify where and how Virtual Reality can add value to vocational language learning, using an action research approach. This will be done by testing the use of Virtual Reality in a range of vocational language courses and assessing the resulting benefits for language learners and the practical benefits for teachers. This project unites six partners from four different countries (Portugal, Lithuania, Turkey, Germany) to explore the potential of the new digital technology, VR, in the context of vocational language learning. VET learners are a group of individuals with specific language needs, based on future language needs in working life. However, in most VET schools or centres there is only a general language curriculum, which is not based on the language level of the future job. As a result, learners cannot meet the language requirements of the future job after graduation and thus cannot establish themselves in working life. In the project, all consortium partners join forces to address the language needs of learners in VET, organise activities for teachers in initial and in-service training and increase the efficiency of language teaching in VET schools and centres. In this way, more qualified graduates will be trained and their integration into the labour market will be facilitated. In order to facilitate this, the project will produce four intellectual outputs regarding the integration of Virtual Reality technology in VET classes.These are; VR Scenarios, Guidebook, Target Language Competencies, and VR- based web platform. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants for their input and look forward to the next consortium meeting.

Productive Transnational Meeting of the Erasmus+ KA220 Project “VR-VOLL“

On 02 and 03 June 2022, the first transnational meeting of all project participants of the research project "Virtual Reality for Vocationally Oriented Language Learning", short "VR-VOLL", took place at Flensburg University of Applied Sciences. After the kick-off meeting had to take place online due to the pandemic situation, the joy of all participating consortium partners about the first face-to-face meeting became even greater. The host for this meeting was Flensburg University of Applied Sciences. This Erasmus+ project unites six partners from four countries (Turkey, Portugal, Lithuania, Germany) and is focused on the objective "digitalization". The project aims to develop VR-based tools for language teaching in vocational education and training. To this end, by using an approach of action-oriented research, it aims to highlight where and how Virtual Reality can add value to vocational language learning. This will be done by testing the use of Virtual Reality in a range of vocational language courses and evaluating the resulting benefits for language learners and the practical benefits for teachers. After each introduced themselves individually and each partner explained their personal focus for this project, everyone agreed that this project offers many opportunities to learn from each other and benefit from each partner's core competencies. After the introductions, there was a chronological overview of the project with a special focus on the results achieved so far in terms of intellectual outputs. Four intellectual outputs are required as part of this project, these are: VR scenarios, guidebook, target language competencies, and a VR-based web platform. Due to the excellent preliminary work done, one of four intellectual outputs, the target language competencies, which deals with the integration of VR technology in vocational education, could be discussed, elaborated, and finally finalised during this meeting, so that the next short-term goals could be defined. Two days of intensive interaction are behind all participants and the presence of each individual and the thus available wealth of experience have contributed to an extremely productive meeting and made it possible to agree on subsequent concrete steps. Flensburg University of Applied Sciences would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants for their participation and looks forward to further cooperation.

Successful Second Transnational Meeting of the Erasmus+ KA220 Project "VR-VOLL”

Within the framework of the research project "Virtual Reality for Vocationally Oriented Language Learning", or "VR-VOLL" in short, the project partners travelled to Adana in Turkey for the second transnational meeting, after a first meeting in Flensburg at the beginning of June. The meeting took place on the 3rd and 4th of November at Çukurova University. All project partners were warmly welcomed by the Rector of the university and thus also had the opportunity to report on this project intentions to the Rector herself. The main subject of the meeting was the role of VR technology in vocational language learning. This meeting proved, once again, how important the interaction and the contribution of the different perspectives of project participants are for its success. The two project days were used intensively to present and discuss the results achieved so far regarding project results. The Project Results related to VR scenarios were the focus. On the one hand, a basis for the elaboration of the individual scenarios was established and the specific language content for the development of the scenarios was defined. On the other hand, it has been discussed together how the different approaches and ideas can be implemented technically. The development of VR exercises and scenarios will be allocated to all partners by area/topic. Materials for teaching linguistic aspects of the curricula based on expertise in providing blended and online learning procedures, methodology and materials for the use of VR for the linguistic aspects of vocational courses will be developed in the next steps. In addition to the elaboration and preparation that is imminent for all of us, we also had to raise other project management-specific issues during this meeting. Among other things, this also involved the preparation and scheduling of the 5-day Language Learning and Teaching activity that is coming up in the first half of the new year. The primary goal of the LTT activity is to reach out to the target groups and help them integrate VR into their teaching, identify language learners’ needs and take full benefit from this digital tool in the long term. All participants would like to thank the organisers for their hospitality and for making this meeting possible. We are looking forward to future cooperation and collaboration.

Effective Third Transnational Project Meeting in Évora, Portugal

From November 1 to 4, the third transnational project meeting of the Erasmus+ project "VR-VOLL" took place in Évora, Portugal. The meeting proved to be extremely effective and enriching. All project partners from the 6 organisations participated in this meeting. Participants, consisting of project partners from Turkey, Portugal, Lithuania, and Germany, not only experienced intense professional discussions but also immersed themselves deeply in the culture and traditions of Portugal, enhancing group dynamics. The meeting agenda was not only extensive but also diverse. The first part focused on presenting previously developed scenarios, ideas, and explanations of methods and processes. This session served not only for knowledge transfer but also provided space for questions, feedback, and comments, leading to lively exchanges among project partners. Another highlight was the presentation of Project Result 2, the Guidebook. The session not only provided insight into past achievements but also offered a valuable opportunity for collecting feedback and comments. The subsequent group work, collaboratively addressing changes in the Guidebook, proved highly constructive, fostering the collective development of ideas for the second part of the handbook. Equally important was identifying successes, challenges, and lessons in a reflection session. This phase allowed for a deep examination of past progress and provided valuable insights influencing the future course of the project. In addition to the official programme, the carefully designed social programme, which familiarised the participants with the special culture of Portugal and at the same time promoted team building, was very inspiring. The satisfaction of the participants was palpable throughout. Everyone expressed gratitude for the productive yet relaxed atmosphere. The anticipation of further successes in the project was clearly noticeable, strengthened by the positive results and the intensive shared experiences during the week in Portugal. In summary, the project meeting in Évora was not only a step forward for the project but also a celebration of intercultural exchange and collaboration. The successful integration of professional exchange, cultural exploration, and collaborative work has laid a positive foundation for the project's future steps.

The event commenced with an opening session designed to welcome participants and introduce the day's agenda. This session set the tone for the day's activities, ensuring that all attendees were informed about the schedule and the objectives of the event. The VR-VOLL project was presented, detailing its objectives, scope, and the expected outcomes in enhancing vocational language learning through virtual reality. This session provided a comprehensive overview of how VR can be used to create engaging and effective learning experiences in vocational settings. A discussion on the integration of virtual reality in English teaching followed. Insights from extensive lab experiences were shared, highlighting the benefits and challenges of using VR. Participants gained valuable knowledge on the practical applications and potential hurdles of implementing VR in language learning. The afternoon session focused on strategies and methodologies for teaching English within vocational settings. It emphasized the unique requirements and approaches tailored to vocational students, providing practical tips and techniques for educators in this field. An introductory session on the basics of virtual reality technology followed. This session covered the fundamental concepts of VR, its applications in education, and its potential for creating immersive learning environments. Attendees were introduced to the technological aspects of VR and how they can be leveraged for educational purposes. A hands-on workshop was conducted where participants learned to develop interactive learning scenarios using virtual reality tools. This workshop was specifically tailored for vocationally oriented language learning, providing practical skills and knowledge that attendees could apply in their own educational settings. The event concluded with a social gathering over snacks, providing further networking opportunities and informal discussions about the day's learnings. This session allowed participants to reflect on the day's activities, share insights, and build connections with fellow attendees.

The event commenced with a focus on "VR/AR/Metaverse and the Evolution of Technology," exploring the advancements and implications of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the metaverse. This session provided a comprehensive overview of how these technologies are evolving and their potential applications in various fields, particularly in education and vocational training. Following this, a session titled "The Challenge of Developing VR Materials" was held, addressing the difficulties and considerations in creating effective VR educational content. Participants learned about the technical and pedagogical challenges involved and discussed strategies to overcome these obstacles. A practical exploration session was conducted with "Let’s Explore an MRI Machine at a Virtual Hospital," where participants experienced a virtual tour of an MRI machine within a simulated hospital environment. This session highlighted the use of VR for immersive learning in medical and healthcare education. In another hands-on session, "Renewable Energy Resources at the Virtual Computer Lab," attendees engaged with VR simulations focused on renewable energy technologies. This interactive experience demonstrated how VR can be utilized to teach complex concepts in renewable energy and sustainability. The event also included a workshop, providing participants with an opportunity to apply their learning. During the workshop, they developed their own VR scenarios, reinforcing the practical skills and knowledge gained throughout the day. The event concluded with a networking session, where participants discussed the day's learnings and shared their experiences. This informal gathering allowed for further collaboration and the exchange of ideas, strengthening the community of practice around VR-VOLL.

A multiplier event to disseminate the results of the VR-VOLL project took place on 18 October 2024. The event started with a presentation by the project participants at a conference organised by the university to explore the phenomenon of educational uncertainty and the challenges of communication at the intersection of the past and the future. The discussion focused on supporting each other, strengthening the sense of community that is so necessary in an age of uncertainty. One section was devoted to vocational education, in which a presentation was made on the results achieved by VR-VOLL project partners. Later, the event moved to a separate room where guests from the UK, Nicholas Rickard and Ishamel Elmi from the USA, shared their experiences in teaching foreign languages. After a break, the audience was introduced to the project and moved on to the hands on session where teachers could experience the benefits of the LUMI platform by creating their own scenarios.

On October 24, 2024, the Erasmus+ KA220-VET-73E654 project hosted its Guidebook Dissemination Multiplier Event, aimed at sharing the project’s outcomes and fostering discussions on integrating innovative tools like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in vocational education. The event brought together 35 vocational high school English teachers in person and 50 additional participants online, creating a dynamic and inclusive platform for learning and collaboration. The event was conducted in a hybrid format to ensure broad participation. It featured two main sessions, separated by a lunch break that provided opportunities for informal networking. The morning session began with an exploration of virtual and augmented reality, introducing participants to the foundational concepts and their potential applications in education. This was followed by an overview of the Erasmus+ project, offering a comprehensive explanation of its goals, methodology, and anticipated impact on vocational education. During the lunch break, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions with their peers and the Provincial Director of National Education. These informal interactions encouraged the exchange of ideas and insights about classroom dynamics and strategies for addressing educational challenges. In the afternoon session, the project’s guidebook took center stage. The presentation outlined its key components and practical applications for educators, serving as a valuable resource for integrating technology into teaching practices. This was followed by a hands-on VR application workshop, where participants had the opportunity to experience VR technology firsthand. The workshop provided practical insights into how these tools can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The session concluded with a discussion on classroom circumstances and learning barriers, focusing on strategies to address diverse challenges in educational environments. Participants shared experiences from their own schools, offering a variety of perspectives and solutions to common hurdles. The multiplier event proved to be an effective platform for vocational educators to explore innovative technologies and their transformative potential. The interactive VR workshop sparked creativity and enthusiasm among participants, while the guidebook was widely praised as a practical and essential tool for educators. Overall, the event not only successfully disseminated the guidebook but also fostered a collaborative spirit among educators. It empowered participants with the knowledge and tools needed to innovate and improve their teaching methodologies, marking a significant step forward in achieving the project’s objectives.

On December 3rd, the Multiplier Event for the VR-VOLL Project was successfully conducted, bringing together educators, students, and other stakeholders interested in the application of Virtual Reality (VR) in language education. The event included a presentation outlining the project’s objectives, methods, and outcomes, with a focus on how VR can support and enhance language learning. Interactive demonstrations provided participants with an opportunity to explore the VR tools and resources developed as part of the project, offering insights into their potential use in educational settings. Discussion sessions facilitated the exchange of ideas and perspectives among participants, focusing on the integration of VR into traditional teaching methods and its potential to address challenges in language education. Feedback from attendees indicated interest in the approaches presented, with many expressing a willingness to explore their application in practice. The event provided a platform for meaningful engagement and discussion about the role of technology in education. Participants are encouraged to provide feedback via the participant survey, which will be used to evaluate the event and inform future activities. Further details about the event and the project are available on the project website or upon request.

Learning Teaching Training Week in Lithuania: A Huge Step Towards the Integration of VR Materials in Vocational Education Teaching

The intensive Learning Teaching Training Week was held between 12-16th of June 2023. Originally, this was supposed to take place in Turkey, but it was decided to hold this meeting in Lithuania due to current events. All project partners of the 6 organisations participated in this meeting. In addition, each partner invited other foreign language teachers to identify different points of view and to have active discussions. The meeting was a great success and allowed us to make significant progress in our project. It aimed to present the results achieved so far, discuss the technological possibilities and challenges, and establish a clear process for the next steps. The following is an overview of the main events and outcomes of the meeting. The main aim of this five-day training week was to familiarise foreign language teachers with VR materials and their application in vocational education. During the week, different areas of vocational language suitable for VR applications were presented. The meeting started with a warm welcome and a short introduction by the project leader, as well as the presentation of the software and other possible platforms relevant to the creation of scenarios. Afterwards, the project participants were given the opportunity to present their ideas and progress. Each team member presented their work and shared their experiences with the others. These presentations were extremely insightful and allowed us to learn from each other and identify synergies. After the individual presentations, group discussions took place to identify the challenges we encountered in the project. These discussions were of great importance as they allowed us to work together to find solutions and overcome possible obstacles. It was gratifying to see how committed and solution-oriented the whole team was.. The participants developed scenarios for the aforementioned areas to enrich the teaching and learning process. Concrete goals and milestones were defined based on the results presented and the discussions. Each team member was given clear tasks and responsibilities to ensure the project continues progressing. The intensive cooperation of the partners made it possible to develop concrete ideas for future scenarios. The invited foreign language teachers were also actively involved in the work processes. At the beginning of the meeting, a questionnaire was prepared to evaluate the effectiveness of the training week. The feedback session on the last day confirmed the importance of the joint work and made clear how helpful this meeting was for all participants. The good cooperation and communication during the meeting were also extremely positive. All team members were given the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns and there was active listening and engagement with each other. This contributed to all voices being heard and a sense of team spirit and cooperation. In conclusion, the Learning Teaching Training Week in Lithuania was used intensively to put ideas into practice, to gain an overview of the technical possibilities and to pass on the knowledge learned to other teachers. This step towards the integration of VR materials in vocational education teaching is a significant step forward that will help to provide learners with an innovative and hands-on learning experience. The project meeting was a great success. It allowed us to present our progress, address challenges and set a clear process for the next steps. The good cooperation and communication within the team contributed significantly to this success. This is also proven by the survey. Participants and partners reported overwhelmingly positively on the LTT week in Vilnius. We are confident that thanks to this successful meeting we have come a huge step closer to our project goal and would like to thank all participants for their active participation.

INTENSIVE AND INSIGHTFUL LEARNING TEACHING TRAINING WEEK IN FLENSBUG, GERMANY: PILOTING OF THE DEVELOPED VR WEB PLATFORM

The Learning Teaching Training (LTT) week was an intensive five-day program aimed at enhancing the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) in vocational-oriented language learning. Hosted by Flensburg University of Applied Sciences from June 10-14, 2024, this event was a key component of the Erasmus project, with the primary objective of piloting a developed VR-based web platform. The event brought together teachers, in-service teachers, and students to evaluate the platform's effectiveness and gather feedback for further refinement. The week commenced with a welcome session and schedule confirmation, setting the stage for the subsequent activities. The agenda was carefully designed to include workshops, hands-on sessions, group discussions, and pilot testing, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the VR platform and its applications. Key objectives included understanding the pedagogical principles of VR, exploring the platform's features, and planning its integration into language curricula. A significant part of the first day was dedicated to the guidebook, which focused on collaboratively reviewing and finalising it, ensuring it reflected practical experiences and feedback. This session was crucial for ensuring that the guidebook accurately reflected practical experiences and feedback gathered during the project. As the week progressed, an overview of the created scenarios and their translation status was provided, highlighting the vocational contexts covered. The VR-based web platform was presented, demonstrating its potential impact on language learning through immersive environments and interactive simulations. Group discussions throughout the week explored various aspects of VR integration. Participants addressed potential challenges and opportunities, discussing technical limitations, user accessibility, and curriculum alignment. These brainstorming sessions focused on incorporating VR into existing curricula, sharing ideas for lesson plans, activities, and assessments, and highlighting the creative potential of VR in education. Teachers then participated in hands-on training sessions to build confidence and competence in using the VR platform. These sessions were designed to familiarise them with creating content and effectively utilising the platform as a teaching tool. Following this, group sessions provided a platform for discussing practical aspects of VR implementation, where participants shared their experiences, strategies, and best practices, fostering a collaborative learning environment. A dedicated feedback session allowed participants to share their experiences with the training and platform usage. This feedback was invaluable for identifying successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. The highlight of the week was the pilot testing conducted with teachers, in-service teachers, and students. Real-world classroom scenarios were simulated, providing practical insights into the platform's effectiveness. Feedback from teachers and students was collected and analysed to evaluate the platform's impact, helping to identify areas requiring further development. The week concluded with thorough discussions on the platform's effectiveness in classrooms. Participants shared their observations and experiences, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the VR platform's practical application. The final sessions focused on identifying opportunities for improvement and planning the next steps, ensuring a continuous improvement approach. A general feedback session allowed participants to reflect on successes, challenges, and lessons learned, providing valuable insights that will guide future development and implementation of the VR platform in vocational-oriented language learning. In summary, the collaborative efforts and active participation of all attendees significantly contributed to the success of the LTT week, paving the way for innovative advancements in language education through VR technology.

Productive Learning, Teaching, Training Week in Vilnius: Advancing Innovation with VR Learning and Preparing for the Project’s Final Milestones

The Learning, Teaching, Training (LTT) week took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 7th to 11th of October 2024, with representatives from all partner organizations participating. The aim of the meeting was to review the ongoing project work and make significant progress in the final stages of the project, particularly focusing on the guidebook and the VR-based platform. The week began with a registration and welcome session, during which the agenda and objectives were introduced. The project partners received an update on project management, covering recent developments and outlining the next steps needed for successful completion. Participant feedback results from the Flensburg LTT were shared with partners at the start of the week. A participant survey was also delivered in Vilnius. The platform and guidebook piloting that took place is ongoing via partner institutions. Piloting survey data is being collected via online forms during this week. A key focus of the first day was the presentation of the final version of the guidebook (Project Result 2), which had been thoroughly reviewed. The presentation was followed by a detailed discussion on potential future developments or adaptations to the guidebook that may be necessary as the project continues. On the second day, participants reviewed the finalized VR-VOLL website and were introduced to the VR-based platform. Partners presented the completed scenarios and activities designed for the platform. After the morning session, all participants travelled for an activity to a city located in the northwest of Vilnius called Ukmergė. All participants engaged in baking a traditional Lithuanian Tree Cake, fostering team-building and cultural exchange. The third day focused on engaging teachers with the guidebook and the VR platform. Teachers were introduced to the LUMI tool to assist them in creating VR-based lessons. They then worked in groups to design their own lessons, which were later presented and reviewed. This process helped gather valuable feedback on the platform, the guidebook, and the scenarios, identifying areas for further improvement. On the fourth day, the VR platform was piloted in real classroom settings with both teachers and students. These sessions provided practical insights into how the platform performs in a live teaching environment. The day concluded with a feedback session that addressed the outcomes of the piloting process and explored possible adaptations for future use. The final day of the week was dedicated to reflecting on the overall progress of the project. A Q&A session allowed participants to address any remaining issues or technical concerns. The meeting ended with a reflection on the project’s overall process and a discussion of next steps, including planning for the final project meeting. Partners reviewed all of the project monitoring tools, with the Coordinator and Arcola (evaluation lead) in Vilnius. Final project actions including the ongoing piloting, final multiplier events, a final partners meeting, and related actions were all timetabled. A final project partner survey will be delivered shortly after the training week has come to an end. Ongoing management planning took place with all partners on the last day of the LTT in Vilnius. It was a productive week. The key outcomes from the week included the finalization of the guidebook, the successful demonstration and piloting of the VR-based platform, active engagement from teachers in creating VR lessons, and the assignment of responsibilities for the remaining project tasks. The partners also began preparations for the final project meeting, ensuring that the project remains on track for its successful conclusion.