VR-Learn is an educational development project supported by DIKU, exploring how virtual reality can be used as a tool for learning. The project is led by Jakob B. Cyvin and Chantel F. Nixon at the Department of Geography and Social Anthropology, NTNU, and has several partners and student assistants.
 
Virtual reality is a technology that allows users to experience a computer-generated environment as if they were actually there. This is typically done through the use of a VR headset tracking the user's movements and adjusting the 360-image presented on the screen accordingly. This creates the illusion of being in a different place or environment, and can be used for a variety of applications, including entertainment, education, and training. With VR-Learn, students can be transported to different locations around the world and experience them as if they were there in person. This creates a more engaging and immersive learning experience that can help students better understand geography concepts and retain information.
 
VR-Learn is a web-based platform that can be accessed from any device with a web browser. To use the learning material provided by the project, students simply need to put on a VR headset or use their computer or mobile device to navigate the virtual environment. Once inside the virtual environment, students can explore different locations around the world and learn about the geography, culture, and history of each place. The VR environment is designed to be interactive, allowing students to manipulate objects and interact with their surroundings. The VR environment is also designed to be adaptable, allowing teachers to customize the learning experience to meet the needs of their students. Teachers can create their own virtual environments, add their own content, and control the pace of the learning experience.
 
There are several benefits to using virtual reality as a tool for learning:

• Engagement: VR-Learn creates a more engaging and immersive learning experience that can help students better understand geography concepts and retain information.
• Accessibility: VR-Learn can be accessed from any device with a web browser, making it accessible to students regardless of their location or access to technology.
• Customization: Teachers can customize the learning experience to meet the needs of their students, creating a more personalized and effective learning experience.
• Collaboration: VR-Learn allows students to collaborate and work together in the virtual environment, promoting teamwork and communication skills.

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In addition to several project partners at the Department of Geography and Social Anthropology, the project has active collaborations at the Department of: Historical and Classical Studies, Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Biological Sciences Ålesund, Geoscience and Petroleum, Teacher Education, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. The research group IMTEL is also an important and active part of the project. Additionally, the professionals Tim Favier at the University of Utrecht and Auður Pálsdóttir at the university of Reykjavik are partners in the project. We also collaborate with the support service from BLINK Læringshub.