News

All project results are ready

Multiplier event in Ruse, Bulgaria

The University of Ruse is the coordinator and, together with the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and partners from Austria, Cyprus, Greece, and Latvia, successfully finalized the VRinHE project.
 
The results of the project support teachers at all levels of the educational system in the introduction of new technologies and training methods, in support of the digital transformation of professions and the formation of necessary new competencies in future specialists. The approach of integrating augmented and virtual reality into the educational content enables a more effective understanding of the studied material and its connection with real production processes and technologies used by employers. This provides a new opportunity for synchronizing educational programs with the needs of companies and the labor market, pointed out the vice rector of Ruse University, Assoc. Dr. Desislava Atanasova - the coordinator of the VRinHE project. Modern students perceive information that is presented to them in a digital version much faster and much better. The introduction of virtual and augmented reality activates their participation in the learning process and also improves their digital and professional skills.
 
The project team has developed a toolkit, application, and online learning courses (MOOCs) to facilitate the entry of VR/AR into higher education, especially for majors that are not directly related to information technology - such as transportation, business management, mechanical engineering, pedagogy, and social activities. The development of competencies of teachers and students to use VR/AR technologies in the curricula of various university specialties is in line with the strategic goal of digital transformation of higher education. At the closing conference, the achieved results were demonstrated and it was shown how learning through virtual reality can improve the receptivity of learners, better prepare them for the expectations of employers, and enable them to solve real cases while still at university.

E-learning platform evaluation in Bulgaria

The piloting session for the evaluation of the E-learning platform and MOOC took place in the period from 15th January - 20th January at the University of Ruse, rectorate building. The participants of the MOOC evaluation were eleven (11) individuals - educational Staff of the University.

A total of eleven evaluation forms were completed by the participants regarding the testing of the e-learning platform. All six modules were tested.

The evaluation shows that the platform and its modules were perceived and rated very positively by the pilot testing participants. Although there are wishes for improvement, such as the addition of some practical exercises, a neutral (neither agree nor disagree) rating was the lowest, while all other ratings were higher, and all participants stated that they achieved a learning effect using the platform - they will try to improve their classes using VR and AR technologies.

Project partners in Ruse

Project partner meeting in Ruse, Bulgaria

Exploring the VRinHE eLearning platform and MOOC in Latvia

Some weeks ago, the staff of the Faculty of Education, Psychology, and Art at the University of Latvia had the opportunity to explore VR/AR technology, various applications, and the Mooc platform that was developed as part of the VRinHE project. The presentations were conducted by colleagues who had undergone training in this field during the VRinHE project held in Rhodes in April, and they have experience with immersive technologies. Additionally, these presenters shared their research findings related to immersive technologies.

Everyone participant displayed a high level of interest in this topic, and we had a highly productive discussion on the methods of integrating these technologies into higher education.

Multiplier event in Cyprus

On the 11^th of January 2024, the University of Nicosia and CARDET organised a multiplier event in Cyprus to introduce the project to the Higher Education community. This was a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of the immense possibilities and transformative power of using AR and VR technology in higher education settings.

Twenty one Higher Education teachers, students and VET trainers were introduced to the project, its main aim and objectives, the target groups and partners involved. They had the opportunity to explore the resources produced, mainly focusing on the eLearning platform and MOOC.

Our guest speaker, Dr Chris Christou, as an expert in VR/AR technologies, inspired lecturers and educators with his stimulating presentation on ‘Extended Reality for Training and Education: Benefits and Obstacles’, sharing practical tips and insights. With so many crucial insights shared, we are confident that the AR/VR transition in
higher education is just around the corner.

Familiarising academics and trainers with the VRinHE eLearning platform

Familiarising academics and trainers with our eLearning platform

On the 6^thof December 2023 and 9^th of January 2024, members of the HE staff, academics, PhD students and VET trainers were introduced to the eLearning
platform and MOOC, produced as part of our project.

Participants had the opportunity to explore the six self-paced modules and provide their feedback. As the end users of the deliverable, they positively commented on the final result. They could easily navigate the modules and follow the content, which is, according to them, well written, structured and targeted. The learning scenarios, examples and videos included in the modules, as well as the opportunity to assess the knowledge acquired via short quizzes were elements well appreciated by the participants. The MOOC can be used as a starting point for their professional development and alignment of their teaching practices with the new technologies.

If you are interested in learning about VR/AR technologies at your own time and pace, you can register for free and follow the self-paced course here: https://elearning.vr-in-he.eu/

Introducing our training package to academics and trainers in Cyprus

On the 6^thof December 2023 and 9^th of January 2024, members of the HE staff and VET trainers were introduced to the training package produced as part of our
project.

Participants had the opportunity to explore the VR/ AR technologies and their applications in Higher Education settings. They became familiar with tools, such as ARTutor, HaloAR, VRChat and Mozilla Hubs and developed lesson plans, trying to incorporate their use in their teaching practices.

According to participants, the training material and sessions were interesting. The combination of theory, hands-on activities, reflection and discussion made them realise the power of these technologies in the teaching and learning process. After completing the training course, they feel that they are more familiar with these technologies and their use in the classroom.

If you are also interested in the VRinHE training package, you can find it and use it for free in our website: https://www.vr-in-he.eu/result-2/

Lecturers from the University of Ruse trained their colleagues to work in a virtual environment

Lecturers from several faculties of the University of Ruse got acquainted with the content of modules on the use of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Higher education. The presentations were given by colleagues who received training on the topic within the VRinHE project in Rhodes this year.

The University of Ruse is the coordinator of the project from the Bulgarian side, and its partner is the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Lecturers from the Mechanical and Technological, Transport, and Pedagogical Faculty and the Faculty of Business and Management were introduced to various aspects of virtual and augmented reality technology. Despite the diverse audience of engineers, economists, and representatives of humanitarian disciplines, the content was presented in such a way that it was understandable and interesting for each of the attendees.
The possibilities of Augmented Reality technology, the creation of educational materials using Augmented Reality tools, and the next generation of VR platforms were presented.
Emphasis was also placed on the potential and challenges facing higher education, its transformation through the integration of virtual reality into the learning process, and the possible “revolution” – immersive learning through Virtual and Augmented Reality.

VRinHE: Local training in Greece

On 14 & 15 December 2023, the Greek partner University of Aegean organised a training session for twenty of its staff. The three trainers trained in the VRinHE event in Rhodes last April guided the participants through the programme and presented the project, its objectives and results to them. The trainees had the opportunity to explore the training material developed by the project's consortium and get theretical foundations on VR/AR applications in Higher Education settings. During the session, trainees tested VR/AR equipment and applications that could be utilized in their learning and teachning.

Multiplier event in Rhodes

On Saturday, December 9th, 2023, a Multiplier event was held at the Future Lab Rhodes, to disseminate the results of the VRinHE project.

Twenty members of the University of the Aegean’s community (PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, learning technologists, supporting staff and faculty) had the opportunity to get acquainted with the individual work packages of the project, to be informed about the current Greek policy framework regarding the integration of AR/VR technologies in higher education, as well as the degree in which University of the Aegean members are ready to adopt these technologies.

After the end of the presentations, participants navigated the VRinHE e-learning platform and its modules, which aim to support all those who wish to become more familiar with the technologies and its potential in teaching and learning in higher education.

Participants also had the opportunity to test in practice the VR equipment available at the Future Lab Rhodes and discuss the possibilities and potential challenges of their use in real classroom settings.

VRinHE Training Package: Testing in Austria

At the end of November, the Austrian partner ENTER hosted a testing session for the second VRinHE project result, the VRinHE training package. VR technology in general was also presented as part of this testing opportunity.

The three trainers trained in the VRinHE event in Rhodes last April guided the participants through the programme and presented the project, its objectives and results to them. The the training package and its seven modules were explained and discussed in more detail. A special focus was put on Module 7: Methodology for implementing VR/AR technologies - step by step.

The participants were also given the opportunity to try out the VR technology for themselves. The trainers were available to actively support the participants, helping them with the hardware and the software applications and answered their questions about the use of VR technology in higher education.

Testing the eLearning platform in Greece

In November 2023, a testing session, organised by University of Aegean, took place in Rhodes, Greece, with ten participants. The aim of the session was to present and try out the VRinHE project result 3: the VRinHE eLearning platform.

The participants, mostly Phd researchers, instructional designers and young faculty members, were initially introduced to the VRinHE project and were invited to share their ideas regarding the affordances of the technologies in their practice.

All modules of the eLearning platform were presented and a particular focus was given on Module 4: Next Generation Virtual Reality Platforms like VRChat and Mozilla hubs. This gave the participants the opportunity to familiarise themselves with these platforms and try out the e-learning content together.

Testing the eLearning platform in Austria

In November, a testing session, organised by ENTER, took place in Graz, Austria, with ten participants to present and try out the VRinHE project result 3: the VRinHE eLearning platform.

The participants received an introduction to the VRinHE project and were invited to discuss topic in general. All modules of the eLearning platform were presented and a particular focus was put on module 6: Immersive Learning: Revolutionising Higher Education with VR/AR Technologies. This gave the participants the opportunity to familiarise themselves with VR/AR/XR as a didactical option in Higher Education and to try out the e-learning platform together.

New Promotional Material

Ready: Result 3 – eLearning Platform

Online meeting October 2023

Work on result 4 has begun

The fourth result in the VRinHE project will be policy and practice guidelines for Higher Education institutions and the project partners have begun working on this outcome. The final result will introduce guidelines, lessons learned, findings and recommendations from all partner countries in the form of an international policy paper. This result will be developmed under the guidance and leadersship of the University of Latvia and will be ready by the end of the project.

Ready: Result 2 – Training Package

Online meeting June 2023

Rhodes review

Training in Rhodes – Day 3

Training in Rhodes - Day 3

The third and final day of training course in Rhodos City from the VRinHE project was another interesting day for our participants.

The day's challenge was to create scenarios for Higher Education where VR and AR can be applied. There where many great and interesting ideas to use VR/AR in the many Higher Education fields and the participants had a lot of fun being creative.

Before saying goodbye, the participants received their certificates and exchanged their ideas about implementing the training themselves in their home countries.

Training in Rhodes – Day 2

Training in Rhodes – Day 1

Second Partner Meeting

On Monday, April 24th 2023, the second transnational project partner meeting took place in the premises of University of the Aegean in Rhodes, Greece.

Representatives from all partners of the VRinHE project coordinated their actions towards the upcoming deliverables, such as the MOOC and the reporting of policy guidelines. They also checked up on the preparations for the upcoming Learning, Teaching and Training Activity, which will take place over the next few days in Rhodes with international participants from all partner countries.

Online meeting 2, March 2023

VRinHE eToolkit – part of Result 1

Cumulative Report – part of Result 1

National reports – part of Result 1

Online meeting March 2023

VRinHE enters second project year

Online meeting February 2023

Ready: Result 1 – Toolkit

Online meeting January 2023

Work on result 3 has begun

Online meeting November 2022

Working on Result 1

Working on the first Project Result

The project partnership is busy with work for the first Project Result, which will be a comprehensive "Toolkit for integrating VR/AR in teaching in Higher Education", consisting of three important elements:

- National reports from all partner countries

- A cumulative report providing an overview

- an eToolkit preseting a variety of VR and AR apps, devices, games etc. which can be used in Hugher Education settings

One of the research tasks also involves a VR/AR readiness assessment and reflection tool for Higher Education, which is distributed to members of the target group in all partner countries. The results will become part of the reports.

Work on result 2 has begun

The first result in the VRinHE project will be the VRinHE VR/AR training package and the project partners have begun working on this outcome under the leadership of the University of Ruse.

The training package will offer seven informative modules for academics and learning designers. Lesson plans and training materials are available for each module. Later in the project, trainers from all partner organisations will be trained on this package in Rhodes and will later on implement the training in their home countries.

Online meeting October 2022

Testing VR devices

Kick-off meeting for the VR in HE project

Meet the project team

Promotional Material

Social media

Work on result 1 has begun

The first result in the VRinHE project will be a toolkit for integrating VR/AR in Higher Education teaching and the project partners have begun working on this outcome under the leadership of the University of the Aegean.

There will be five individual phases: establishing a pedagocigal framework; assessing the VR/AR readiness in Higher Education in the partner countries; critical reflection and establishment of guidelines; compilation of the national reports from all partner countries and a cumulative report; creation of a VR/AR e-toolkit, which will be available on the project website.

Introducing the planned project results

First online partner meeting

The VRinHE consortium held its very first online meeting where the project was presented to all partner organisations. Aims and objectives of the project were discussed, responsibilities were clarified and first tasks and deadlines were set.

The project will deliver four exciting results:
1. Toolkit for integrating VR/AR in teaching in Higher Education
2. VR/AR training package for academics and learning designers
3. E-learning platform and MOOC on using VR/AR in higher education institutions
4. Policy and practice guidelines for HE institutions

We are all looking forward to working together over the next two years!

Project logo

Project partner organisations

The VRinHE project

The VRinHE project aims to build the capacities of Higher Education institutions and their staff, to integrate Virtual and Augmented Reality in teaching and learning.

VRinHE promotes a sustainable, digital transformation of the Higher Education sector by developing innovative methods, approaches and guidelines to increase the participation rates, improve the quality of Higher Education and foster university learners’ digital 21^st century skills.

The project runs from February 2022 until February 2024.

News

All project results are ready

Multiplier event in Ruse, Bulgaria

E-learning platform evaluation in Bulgaria

Project partners in Ruse

Project partner meeting in Ruse, Bulgaria

Exploring the VRinHE eLearning platform and MOOC in Latvia

Multiplier event in Cyprus

Familiarising academics and trainers with our eLearning platform

Introducing our training package to academics and trainers in Cyprus

Lecturers from the University of Ruse trained their colleagues to work in a virtual environment

VRinHE: Local training in Greece

Multiplier event in Rhodes

Testing the eLearning platform in Austria

Testing the eLearning platform in Greece

Testing the eLearning platform in Austria

In November, a testing session, organised by ENTER, took place in Graz, Austria, with ten participants to present and try out the VRinHE project result 3: the VRinHE eLearning platform.

New promotional materials available

Ready: Result 3 - eLearning Platform

Online meeting in October 2023

Work on result 4 has begun

Result 2: The VRinHE Training Package is online

Online meeting in June 2023

Learning, Teaching and Training Event in Rhodes: a review

Training in Rhodes - Day 3

Training in Rhodes - Day 2

Training in Rhodes - Day 1

Second Partner Meeting

Online meeting in March 2023

Result 1: VRinHE eToolkit

Result 1: Cumulative Report

Result 1: National Reports from all partner countries

Online meeting in March 2023

VRinHE enters second project year

Online meeting in February 2023

Result 1: The Toolkit for integrating VR/AR in teaching in Higher Education is online

Online meeting in January 2023

Work on result 3 has begun

Online meeting in November 2022

Working on the first Project Result

Work on result 2 has begun

Online meeting in October 2022

Testing VR devices

Watch more clips here: VRinHe YouTube

Kick-off meeting for the VR in HE project

Meet the project team

VRinHe promotional materials

Social Media Channels

Work on result 1 has begun

Introducing the planned project results

VRinHE Toolkit

VRinHE Training Package

VRinHE e-learning platform

VRinHE Guidelines

First online partner meeting

The VRinHE logo

The project partner organisations

The VRinHE project