Virtual Reality
Digital Integration Program

An ongoing Project by the Skip Institute

The Vision

In 2017, under the direction of Prof. Wickenden, students developed a Virtual Reality (VR) concept to support the social integration of refugees. As part of this scientific effort, it was anticipated that VR films would convey a sense of closeness to reality (e.g. visiting a family doctor) and thus reduce the potential inhibition threshold for refugees in order to simplify access to language and culture in Germany. This assumption was confirmed in a subsequent mini study. The second VR project with the new name “VR DIP” is now also being sponsored by the Minister President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of ongoing funding. Here, the original idea of the first project is being continued and further VR experiences (e.g. in the pharmacy) are being developed and studied. The scientific team, led by Dr. Malte Albrecht, is investigating the actual effectiveness of this new learning method after VR production as part of a large-scale study in some cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. This project illustrates the learning and support potential that can be generated from the use of virtual reality and VR glasses in the integration of refugees. In this way, refugees will be able to experience and get to know German culture in a safe and secure way in this simulated world, which will give them the security to engage in the real world.

What does DIP mean?

Integration

When examining the concept of integration in the dictionary, you will find the explanation: “Integration into a larger whole” and “Connection of a diversity of individuals or groups into a social and cultural unity” (Du-den, 2017). According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, integration is a long-term process with the goal of integrating all people living permanently and legally in Germany into society. The aim is to enable immigrants to participate on an equal footing in all areas of society. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees emphasises the immigrants’ duty to learn German as well as to know and observe the constitution and laws (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, 2017). More…

VR Explained

VR stands for Virtual Reality and is defined as the representation of a virtual world that has been computer-generated. The computer-generated world can correspond to the real world or a fantasy world. Within the framework of virtual reality, sounds, touches and visual sensations are simulated. It thus makes it possible to experience the world and, as in this case, the respective culture in a secure, protected space. This often leads to so-called immersion. more…

Science

Under the management of Dr. Malte Albrecht Deployment in new subject areas (experiences) in at least 2 cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. North Rhine-Westphalia-wide study to assess the research question. At least 600 persons. The VR-DIP portal will provide a comprehensive database for empirical evaluation. In this way, we increase the evaluation potential of the project with low personnel costs. The pilot project will be significantly influenced by the guiding principle “how you feel, how you learn”. In order to prove the effects of emotions on learning and thus on this guiding principle, the following findings from psychological (learning) research are cited. More…
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Achievements

The VR DIP project was awarded the “University Jewel of the Month” prize in April 2018. Read more here. 

VR Award 2018 of the German Institute for Virtual Reality (DIVR). Read more here.

Partners

Impressions

Team

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Prof. Christopher Wickenden

General Management

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Prof. Dr. Malte Albrecht

Scientific Leadership

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Hannah Thümmler

Art direction

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Jörn Allert


Head of Project Coordination

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sebastian Seidel

Concept Art

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Benjamin
Seidel

360° Film Design

student assistants

Alisa Pernhold (project assistance)
Julia Schumann (Project assistance and editing)
Jana Kierdorf (scientific study)
Alex Wolff (scientific study)
Alina Weber (scientific study)
Benjamin Tanzius (Online-Design)

Max Weber
Kilian Hölscher
Lea Jäger
Win Ni Dang
Leo Meissner
Marc Mayrhörmann
Charly Ponzelaar

skip. Institut für angewandte digitale Visualisierung e.V.
an der Hochschule Fresenius
Im Mediapark 4c
50670 Köln
Mail: mail@skip-institut.de