epic education - Quelle Internet?!

epic education – Quelle Internet?!

Project: Quelle Internet?!

As part of the “Quelle Internet?!” project, we collaborated with Epic Education to develop an immersive augmented reality application and an interactive database. This unique combination of role-playing and interactive technology introduces students to the topic of media literacy in a creative and engaging way. Supported by the “Demokratie Leben” program, the project is implemented nationwide in over 40 schools, using workshops to make young people aware of the challenges and pitfalls of the digital information world.

Augmented Reality Meets Group Dynamics and Role-Play
At the heart of the project lies the AR application, designed to allow participants to interact together within a shared digital space. This digital space is projected onto a mat placed within the physical room, making it visible and accessible to the groups. Each group is assigned a unique role identity and explores the space through its own specific perspective. Visual adjustments within the AR application simulate the “bias” of each group, creating an immersive experience that encourages students to develop fictional conspiracy theories and post them to a purpose-built “fake internet.” The role of the supervisor, who moderates the workshop, is central: they control the group views and ensure the workshop runs dynamically and effectively.

Custom-Developed Interactive Search Engine Simulating Social Influences
A further highlight of the project is our custom-built database, which functions as a search engine and provides access to entries created during the workshop. This simulated search engine allows participants to search for entries and experience different social dynamics: economic actors can push certain posts through financial contributions, illustrating the impact on public opinion, while scientists can verify the truthfulness of entries, showing the importance of information accuracy. This creates a compelling scenario that makes the dynamics of our information society directly tangible to students, raising their awareness of how diverse interests interact in the digital space.

Additional Materials Deepening Roles and Content
Epic Education has developed supplementary materials that help participants better understand and immerse themselves in their roles. These materials provide valuable background information and storylines that add depth to the roles and group identities, making the experience even more vivid and authentic. This gives young people the chance to actively shape their own experience and encourages them to take responsibility for the content they create.