Systemdenken und Nachhaltigkeit in Virtual Reality

Lehrende/Lecturer/s: Project Team of the Virtual Academy of Sustainability (VAN)
Zeitraum/Time period: SoSe 2025
Credit Points: 3 CP
Workload: 90 hours
Sprache/Language: deutsch
:
Anbieter/Supplier: VAN
Lizenz/License: CC BY SA
Open course

Content of the Course

In this course, systems thinking is discussed and practically tested as a key competence for sustainable action. Students learn how systems thinking not only enhances their understanding of complex ecological and social interconnections but also plays a crucial role in developing solutions to address global challenges. The course covers the basics of transformative education for sustainability, enabling students to question their everyday meaning perspectives and translate their new knowledge into concrete actions. Additionally, theoretical knowledge about the technological development of virtual reality, the phenomenon of immersion, and the impact of VR on learning processes is discussed.

These theoretical foundations are applied to three specific learning scenarios related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 9, and 12. Participants experience these scenarios as immersive experiences in virtual reality, actively engaging them in the learning process. This innovative approach aims to not only facilitate knowledge transfer but also foster students' personal development, empowering them to contribute effectively and holistically to sustainability.


Acquisition of Competences

  • Understanding the importance of systems thinking in the sustainability debate, as well as the use of modern technologies (VR headset, digital collaboration platform) in learning environments.
  • Ability to recognize complex social and ecological interconnections.
  • Assessment of the potential of virtual reality to enhance sustainability awareness.

Exam Information

ATTENTION! Only enrolled students of University of Bremen or partner universities will be able to complete an exam in the form of an "portfolio exam" starting from the winter semester of 2025/26. Participation is limited to 30 students, and spots will be allocated on a "first come, first serve" basis. If you are interested, please register via email with Elias Marks at emars@uni-bremen.de.

In this email, you can informally express your interest and request an official registration. Afterwards, you can arrange the loan of the VR headset with Elias Marks; the University of Bremen will send it to you if necessary and lend it for the duration of the course. 



Target Group

The course is open to students from all disciplines. It is specifically designed for students of the University of Bremen and students from the partner universities of the Virtual Academy of Sustainability. The content is also available as OER (Open Educational Resources) for anyone interested. IMPORTANT: Exams can only be taken by University of Bremen students and students of partner universities starting from the winter semester of 2025/26.

Lecturers of the Course

The project team of the Virtual Academy of Sustainability (VAN): Juliane Scheering, Elias Marks, Lennart Kötschau, and Dr. Denis Pijetlovic

Course Management

The supervision of this course is provided by the Virtual Academy of Sustainability (VAN). If you have any questions, feel free to contact Elias Marks directly at: emarks@uni-bremen.de.

Duration

This course is a self-study course. It is conducted entirely online, and you can start the course at any time. Enrolled and confirmed students of the partner universities will have the opportunity to complete an exam starting from the winter semester of 25/26.

Requirements

none