The project explores the integration of a 360° video-based technology into Federal Oral Examinations for Vocational- Professional Education and Training.
The «Oral Examinations in Immersive 360° Environments» project aims to enhance the examination process by simulating real-life professional scenarios, making competence assessments more realistic and relevant to workplace settings. Additionally, the project seeks to develop a cost-effective and accessible approach for integrating 360° video-based technology (360°VR) into exams without requiring advanced technical infrastructure.
This innovation will enable examiners (Prüfungsexpert-innen, PEX) to assess professional skills and reasoning in more authentic environments. The project methodology includes a controlled experiment comparing traditional oral exams with 360°VR-supported exams, evaluating learner experience (motivation, cognitive load, and sense of presence) and performance (accuracy and quality of responses). Furthermore, focus group discussions will be conducted to gather PEX perspectives on the practical and sustainable use of 360°VR in oral examinations.
The project started in January 2025 and will conclude in December 2025. Key tasks include designing a 360°VR environment, developing exam questions and scoring rubrics, conducting pre- and post-tests, and analyzing results. Data collection is scheduled for May 2025, followed by data analysis and the development of guidelines and a scientific paper by year-end, alongside other dissemination activities.
e developed tools and procedures will be refined to enable the scalable implementation of 360°VR assessments across various VPET domains. The long-term vision is to establish immersive 360°VR environments as a standard practice for competency-based assessments, enhancing the effectiveness and realism of evaluations across the VPET system. To ensure the sustainability and expansion of the project’s outcomes, further collaborations and funding opportunities will be pursued.
Franziska Wettstein
