Research

Our research explores the integration of digital technologies, particularly high-immersion virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), in English language education and teacher education. We investigate their pedagogical potential, classroom implementation, and impact on learning, drawing on qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, placing a strong emphasis on learner perspectives.

A defining feature of our work is the dual focus on learning language and content. Beyond digital technologies, our research interests include education for sustainable development (ESD), and critical foreign language pedagogy, pop culture (with a particular emphasis on music and songs), and multimodal literature such as picturebooks.

Research and teaching are closely intertwined in our department. In our courses, students develop their own VR scenarios, test their ideas in workshop with learners, and explore core practices. We also investigate participatory formats such as co-creation and student-led learning, with the aim of promoting student agency, and developing a new culture of teaching and learning.

Since 2023, we have been researching and teaching VR in the context of English language education from the perspective of teacher training, task design, and learner experiences. The links below offer an insight into our VR projects.

• VR and ESD in ELT
• VRALL and creativity
• AI- and VR-Supported Interaction
• Designing VR-AI learning scenarios

• Co-Creating Teaching Cultures at the University of Bamberg (BaKuLe): Teaching Communities
• ELT Survey
• Pop culture in English education
• PhD projects

• Taboos and controversial issues
• Poems and song lyrics
• Mental health songs
• Schulprax – E-Portfolio
• Global education and eco-pedagogy