ViReal4STEM - Envisioning a future in STEM using Virtual Reality

  • Programme: Erasmus+
  • Action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices
  • Project reference: 2024-1-ES01-KA220-SCH-000247362
  • Start date: 31/12/2024
  • Duration: 36 months
  • Website: ViReal4STEM

ViReal4STEM is designed to promote inclusion and equity in STEM education, with particular attention to under-represented groups such as girls. Despite progress on gender equality, significant gaps remain in STEM careers, and this project tackles those challenges by fostering engagement, motivation and long-term success in STEM learning.

Central to the project is the use of virtual reality (VR) to create immersive learning experiences that inspire exploration and imagination in STEM fields. By combining evidence-based practice with educational resources, ViReal4STEM aims to lower systemic barriers and encourage more students to picture a future in a STEM career.

Main objectives

  • Immersive VR experiences: Increase students' exposure to STEM fields and careers through immersive VR experiences. 
  • STEM career pathways: Provide evidence-based practice and teaching materials to support teachers in adapting and using STEM educational resources in line with the principles of gender-inclusive education.
  • STEM educational resources: provide evidence-based practice and teaching materials to help teachers adapt and use STEM educational resources in line with the principles of gender-inclusive education.
  • Inclusive, supportive learning: give teachers the resources and knowledge to foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment that nurtures students' interest in and aspirations towards STEM.

Results

  • Development of the ViReal4STEM application, a virtual reality application that empowers young students, girls in particular, to picture their best possible self in a STEM career.
  • A pedagogical framework that supports teachers with information, resources and tools to shape and improve their own inclusive, accessible practice.
  • Dissemination of the project, aimed at sharing and promoting the main outputs developed over its lifetime.

Consortium

The ViReal4STEM partnership is made up of partners from seven European countries. 

  • Universidad de Burgos (Spain): coordinator
  • Gimnazija Antuna Vrančića (Croatia)
  • Fundación Siglo22 (Spain)
  • Senior Europa Sociedad Limitada (Spain)
  • Georgiakakis Petros Kai Sia Ltd (Greece)
  • 4Experience sp. zo.o. (Poland)
  • University de Jyväskylä (Finland)