DaF2L / Freiraum 2030
DaF2L / Freiraum 2030
“DaF2L” uses virtual reality for innovative German language learning at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences and EUT+. International students learn through interactive scenarios such as a cookery studio or an art gallery. At the same time, LMU students acquire career-relevant skills and design their own courses.
| Project leaders: | Dr Stefanie Morgret (h_da), Prof. Dr Paul Grimm (h_da) and D. Matthias Springer (LMU) |
| Project team: | Katrin Krause, Andreas Fuchs, Sven Appel, Uta Hausmeister and Violetta Lapotina |
| Duration: | April 2024 to March 2026 |
| Funding body: | Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education Teaching |
| Participating institutions: |
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The DaF2L project offers an innovative learning programme for international students at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da) and the European University of Technology (EUT+). Through interactive, virtual and realistic learning modules, the aim is to make learning German more effective, more practical and easier.
Project progress
A key component of the project is the integration of Deutsch-Uni Online (DUO) into h_da’s existing teaching structures. Students at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) can train to become language tutors as part of their studies and sit in on classes at h_da. The VR-based learning content is being developed by the faculty of Media at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences using artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, students are given the opportunity to design their own VR learning scenarios in collaboration with the project team.
Two example learning environments illustrate how this works:
- Cooking studio: Learners interact with an avatar, carry out typical everyday tasks and practise linguistic structures such as giving directions or instructions – for example, when searching for and fetching ingredients.
- Art gallery: Accompanied by a (virtual) visually impaired grandmother, learners describe AI-generated works of art. The content varies in complexity and enables repeatable, varied exercises in describing images.
Project objectives
The project focuses on virtual learning environments that create realistic and dynamic communication situations. These safe, interactive environments enable learners to act independently, access support flexibly and practise their language skills repeatedly and in context.
DaF2L aims to bring about a lasting improvement in German as a Foreign Language (DaF) teaching provision at h_da and within the EUT+ network. It creates adaptive, digital learning spaces, promotes the acquisition of language and media skills, and offers students practical opportunities for participation. Furthermore, the project strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration between language teaching, media production and teacher training.
DaF2L is funded by the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education as part of the ‘Freiraum 2023’ programme.
