Society will change fundamentally in the coming years. Artificial intelligence, robots and virtual reality are just the tip of the iceberg. If we as human beings are to help build the society of the future – or even if we just have to live in it – it requires knowledge of the technology that lies behind the new things that come. Otherwise, we will fear the future and be unable to build the society we want.

Where learning previously took place in a physical space, now large parts take place in a virtual room – that is we use the computer, tablet or mobile phone when we are learning. Where we previously only moved the physical world into the computer – e.g., we read for a book on the iPad or saw a video on the phone -, we can now do so much more. With the computer, we can create new learning environments that can offer opportunities we do not have in the real world. E.g., with virtual reality we are able to move around inside a molecule and see what happens when we tug the bonds. This is an example of new and more (virtual) -touchable learning experiences. With such VR-technological learning experiences, students can learn by doing and by being more active. They no longer need to sit still and learn only by watching and listening. The students can better remember, relate to and discuss the subjects they can explore with the new VR technologies.

One of the most significant trends is adaptive learning, where learning is adapted to the individual level and learning motivation of the student. We think another future trend will be to make learning deeper and more effective. Effective in the way that we can learn more in less time than we are able to now.

learnT – Centre for Digital Learning Technology – is a research and innovation centre at DTU Compute. learnT is based in DTU’s centre for statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, internet of things, software development, etc. and thus has a technological basis. In learnT we work with learning design, learning theories, psychology, ethics and brain research, as these areas are highly relevant for understanding learning and for developing effective, motivational and fun learning technology. learnT and DTU Compute’s technological starting point enables our students not only to design concepts but also to create future, motivational learning technology based on their technical knowledge and ability.

learnT researches in how we combine the opportunities offered by virtual learning technologies with the learning processes that best take place in the physical world, both between students and between students and a teacher. Even in the digital world, something still works best when we are together as humans. If we combine it with technology, we can reach a very long way.

Digital learning technologies produce large amounts of data that can both be used to improve existing technologies and provide completely new opportunities for deeper learning processes and more suitable education. learnT researches in learning analytics and educational data mining to develop methods that take into account and are based on the individual student, and allows teachers to better understand students’ learning patterns, thus supporting them in a data-based and more qualified way.

For learnt, another focus area is how young people of the future become digital producers and gain knowledge about computational thinking. An example of this is research in how primary and secondary school students, through game-based processes, can work as digital game designers, and in that way reach their academic learning goals in, for example, Danish, Social Studies, Biology or History.

In order to promote the important combination of research-based knowledge and the development of innovative learning technology, learnT has collaborated with a wide range of companies, both broadly and specifically within Edtech. We prioritize to guide many student projects in cooperation with companies. In the future society, we need to learn continuously, and therefore focus on “lifelong learning” is important. learnT researches at all levels from primary and lower secondary education, youth education to university education and continued education.

learnT is headed by Helle Rootzen, Professor of Learning Technology and Digitalization. She is among others member of the IT advisory group set up by Minister for Education Merete Risager, member of ATV’s Digitale Vismænd and part of Go Morgen P3’s panel of professors.

For more information about learnT, please see www.learnt.dtu.dk