Learning inclusion through virtual worlds

Since January 2026, Dorina Rohse has been part of the Chair of Inclusive Technology and Collective Engagement led by Prof. Giulia Barbareschi at RC Trust. As a PhD student and Research Assistant, Dorina brings expertise at the intersection of education, technology, and inclusion an area that is increasingly relevant for schools, policymakers, and society at large.

Dorina’s current work focuses on an empirical study exploring the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in inclusive education. Together with Prof. Barbareschi, she is developing and testing a VR application to explore its potential use in inclusive school settings. The goal is not technology for technology’s sake, but a criticial examination about a tool that supports participation, understanding, and learning for students with diverse needs. By closely involving educational practice, her research contributes evidence that can inform both educational policy and the responsible integration of immersive technologies into public institutions.

Her work fits seamlessly into the broader research agenda of the Inclusive Technology and Collective Engagement group by combining accessibility research, Human–Computer Interaction, and social development. The group examines how emerging technologies–such as VR, avatars, and AI-based systems – can be shaped to reflect human diversity rather than exclude it. Dorina’s focus on schools highlights a key societal domain: education as an early and decisive space for equitable access to technology.

Dorina also brings valuable project experience to the chair. She has been involved in several interdisciplinary research initiatives on VR and digital learning, including projects funded by the BFSFJ, Erasmus+, the Stifterverband, and the Mercator Research Center Ruhr. These projects explored topics ranging from VR in physical education to digital learning labs and inclusion-oriented school development. This background allows her to bridge academic research, teacher education, and real-world application.

Beyond research, Dorina is actively engaged in knowledge transfer and outreach. She continues to offer workshops on VR and inclusion from an educational perspective, supporting educators and institutions interested in using VR and AR based applications thoughtfully from an inclusive perspective. This commitment reflects the chair’s broader emphasis on public engagement and science communication – ensuring that research insights reach classrooms and stakeholders.

With Dorina Rohse joining the team, the Chair of Inclusive Technology and Collective Engagement further strengthens its focus on inclusive education and participatory technology design. Her work illustrates how empirically grounded research can help turn emerging technologies into meaningful tools for inclusive learning processes and to reflect participation of disabled people.