Labs

9 Labs

• Multimodal Interaction

  The Multimodal Interaction lab conducts research into the interaction of digital information on the basis of different sensory and motoric modalities. The focus is on the multimodal handling of multiple information resources and on the use of sensor-based interaction modalities, such as multi touch or brain-computer interfaces.

  

• Realistic Depictions

  The Realistic Depictions lab focuses on the processes underlying information processing and knowledge acquisition when viewing vivid static and dynamic visualizations, such as illustrations, videos or virtual environments.

  

• Aesthetics and Learning

  In the Aesthetics and Learning lab, we aim to understand how aesthetic experiences can be a source of learning and what can be learned from aesthetic experience. The lab takes a blended approach that aims to transfer findings from controlled experimental laboratory settings to ecologically valid real-life informal learning settings with a particular focus on museums.

  

• Multiple Representations

  The Multiple Representations lab investigates the information processes involved in learning with combined symbol systems, especially text-picture combinations, and how to provide instructional support for learners who engage in these processes.

  

• Perception and Action

  The Perception and Action lab investigates processes of human perception and action in digital knowledge environments. These environments are often dynamic (e.g. educational videos), agentic/social (allowing interaction with human and digital agents), and noisy (e.g., containing misinformation and opposing opinions).

  

• Knowledge Construction

  The research of the Knowledge Construction lab focuses on media settings in which groups work together on a joint knowledge artefact (e.g., a knowledge platform). In these settings, knowledge is usually not exchanged directly between users but via the artefact (the media platform) and the processes that take place there. In such situations, new knowledge develops at both the individual and the group levels.

  

• Everyday Media

  The Everyday Media lab analyses how knowledge is communicated in everyday situations. That includes the use of social media, e.g., skimming social media feeds containing news or professionally relevant information, or learning with YouTube videos. The lab is also researching human–machine communication, and in particular interactions with communicative artificial intelligence (AI): voice assistants such as Alexa and AI-driven chatbots such as ChatGPT.

  

• Language and AI in Education

  The Language and AI in Education lab works at the interface of computational linguistics and empirical educational research, with a focus on academic and second language acquisition research, the development of effective teaching and learning methods, and the use and evaluation of the developed systems in educational practice as an ecologically valid data source for basic research.

  

• e-teaching Transfer

  The e-teaching Transfer lab deals with the question of how teaching at schools and universities can be supported by digital media. It focusses its transfer activities on the development and design of portals and is currently concentrating on two main areas: (1) the operation and further development of the portal "e-teaching.org" in the university sector and (2) the development of portals in the school sector.