E-teaching with AI and VR: Improving physics learning through open task formats
Dr. Tilmann Steinmetz
Open task formats are considered to be very effective for learning in physics lessons, but are rarely used due to the intensive supervision required. The research project "E-teaching with AI and VR" aims to overcome this challenge using AI language assistance systems. By developing an AI-supported tutoring system that offers personalized feedback and individual learning support, the aim is to make physics lessons more effective. This system acts as an interactive learning companion that guides students through open task formats, which can include self-explanations, virtual experimentation, research and calculation tasks, for example. The project builds on the established teaching concept of the so-called EPo project (www.einfache-elehre.de), an empirically tested teaching concept for electricity theory.
A second focus of the project is the use of VR technologies to visualize the concepts of electricity theory in everyday contexts. The aim is to make abstract teaching content more tangible through VR environments, for example by visualizing everyday electrical circuits or simulating dangerous situations when dealing with electricity. This VR learning environment is intended to complement the above teaching unit by enabling learners to try out the concepts they have learned in a practical way. The effectiveness of open task formats and the subsequent application in the VR environment will be empirically evaluated in a real teaching context in order to measure the contribution to improving knowledge acquisition.