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Innovative teaching project XRISE: Future technologies for classrooms!
Saarland University is launching the XRISE teaching project, which integrates VR and AR into lessons, funded with 340,000 euros.
Innovative teaching project XRISE: Future technologies for classrooms!
On September 12, 2025, Saarland University will launch its new teaching project XRISE, which aims to integrate virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into teaching. The project is funded by the Innovation in University Teaching Foundation with around 340,000 euros and follows an interdisciplinary approach that brings together teacher training students with IT experts and psychologists. The clear goals are the development and programming of applications that can be used in the classroom or in student laboratories.
The project includes an interdisciplinary seminar series with three consecutive events. Participants include teacher training students, psychology students and master's students in educational technology and media informatics. External IT service providers are brought in to develop programs and create virtual teaching content for use on tablets and VR glasses
Technological advancements in education
Technological advances have created a new market for augmented reality (XR). XR includes both AR and VR, with AR displaying digital elements on real objects and VR describing fully digital environments. These technologies offer numerous challenges and opportunities in the education sector. Courses as part of the XRISE project follow the translanguaging approach, which promotes the flexible use of German and English.
The goal of the project is to create applications specifically tailored to science education, history education, and language learning. A particular focus is on the use of chatbots such as ChatGPT to convey language and culture. In addition to the development of content, the scientific evaluation of the new XR learning environments is also on the agenda before they are widely used.
Availability and challenges of XR applications
The market for VR and AR applications is constantly developing, including in the education sector, where new apps are regularly presented. Nevertheless, there are hardly any freely licensed applications for teaching. Concerns about data collection and in-app advertising are also relevant topics in media education that the project aims to address. Applications in the classroom can be used as an introduction, work aid or for repetition.
Various AR applications, such as the tape measure program, Google Translate or the “Seeing AI” app from Microsoft, illustrate the practical use. In the STEM area, VR and AR technologies expand learning through models and visualizations. Apps such as “Virtuali-Tee” and “Galactic Explorer” offer interactive experiences. AR applications such as “time window apps”, which use historical images and sources, are already known from history lessons.
The XRISE project is one of 153 federally funded projects that were selected from 6,000 submitted ideas. Over the course of two years, hardware and interdisciplinary exchange at conferences will be promoted, while students will have the opportunity to present their ideas and applications at conferences.
The continued development of VR and AR technologies promises an exciting future for the education sector, where new learning methods and creative approaches are necessary to effectively integrate this advancement. The Saarland University initiative shows how universities can use these technologies to revolutionize learning.