Within the scope of the DAAD’s IP digital program VEDIAS-VR existing master study programs at University of Technology Ilmenau were offered in an online format and run parallelly to the traditional on-site formats to offer students across the globe the opportunity to study remotely at Ilmenau. To enable a more immersive virtual exchange platform with more communication and interaction possibilities among students, a Social Virtual Reality platform was implemented for classes and cultural events.
The platform enables students to interact with another in a more natural way with more social presence using embodied customizable avatars in a three-dimensional space compared to traditional video conferences. Lecturers gain more options to create three-dimensional learning environments independent of physical rooms that support their course in the best way. The platform allows three-dimensional immersive encounters independent from the location of users and thus, facilitates equal participation of international students who do not need to travel physically to Ilmenau for their studies. We present use cases of the platform and reflect on its use in the online study programs with special regard on the exchange between international students and educators.