University pioneers immersive learning with virtual reality for English Literature

The study of English Literature at the University of Wolverhampton is gaining an exciting new dimension thanks to innovative work led by Professor Sebastian Groes, Chair in English Literature. Professor Groes is trialling cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) technology with University’s third-year students on the ‘Literature in the Digital Age’ module, in collaboration with VR pioneer David Burden of Daden Limited, editor of The Metaverse books series for Routledge.

This groundbreaking experiment sees students moving beyond traditional essays to create their own VR builds – immersive 3D spaces in which they explore a chosen literary topic, author or text. These “VR essays” offer a three-dimensional and embodied experience for the reader, prompting fascinating questions about how the digital design of information can provide alternative ways of exchanging knowledge and learning.

Professor Groes explains, “We are exploring how the structure of memory is affected differently when building and navigating a VR essay, and how this technology might offer new, inclusive learning and research opportunities that counter digital inequality.  For instance, we are preparing a research project with Creative Writing Lecturer Dr Rob Francis that explores how the Black Country’s UNESCO Geopark might become accessible for people with mobility issues whilst generating new creative opportunities for wellbeing.”

With expert guidance from David Burden of Daden Limited, students on the module have been trained to use accessible platforms to construct these VR essays. They incorporate a diverse range of resources within their 3D journeys, including roadmaps, video clips, blackboards, PowerPoint presentations, AI ChatBots, and PDFs, to deliver their arguments. These innovative presentations are then showcased in the Screen School’s VR studio at the University of Wolverhampton.

One particularly compelling VR essay, created by students Aleksandra Ziolkowska and Chloe Gilbert, explored ‘Free Will in the Digital Age,’ offering fascinating insights into the revolution of agency, identity, and social relationships over the past two decades. Professor Groes noted that students found it beneficial to map out their ideas, although crafting a focused narrative within the VR environment still presents a challenge.

Building on this successful pilot, David Burden will be training Arts and Humanities colleagues at the University of Wolverhampton during the Digital Humanities Research Group’s first Virtual Reality Training School, taking place on 21 and 22 May 2025. Professor Groes is a strong advocate of the Digital Humanities to reinvigorate traditional humanities disciplines and the study of literature. On Wednesday 28 May, the Digital Humanities Research Group at Wolverhampton, led by Groes, will launch the Digital Futures Lab, a space for speculative exploration of pedagogy and research purposes. 

This pioneering work at the University of Wolverhampton underscores its commitment to exploring innovative pedagogical approaches and leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the learning experience for students in the digital age.

Image:  English Literature student Aleksandra Ziolkowska presents her Virtual Reality build on ‘Free Will’