Axel Wiepke

Educational Technology Specialist | VR/AR Researcher | Full-Stack Educator

Potsdam, DE.

About

Highly innovative Educational Technology Specialist and VR/AR Researcher with over a decade of experience across academia, K-12 education, and technical development. Expert in leveraging immersive technologies to enhance learning outcomes, evidenced by significant contributions to VR/AR pedagogy and multiple scientific publications. Passionate about driving educational innovation and improving teaching methodologies through a unique blend of programming, pedagogical expertise, and research acumen.

Work

University of Potsdam

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Research Associate

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

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Summary

Leads advanced research initiatives focused on integrating Virtual and Augmented Reality into higher education, driving innovation in pedagogical methodologies.

Highlights

Spearheaded research and development projects on VR/AR applications in university teaching, resulting in 8 peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

Developed and implemented immersive learning environments to train future educators in classroom management, significantly enhancing practical skills and pedagogical effectiveness.

Contributed to the design and execution of empirical studies on presence and self-efficacy in VR classrooms, advancing understanding of embodied cognition and user factors.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to secure funding and drive strategic initiatives for VR/AR integration, fostering a vibrant community around open-source educational tools.

University of Potsdam

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Research Assistant

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

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Summary

Supported academic research in educational technology, contributing to data collection, analysis, and experimental design for various projects.

Highlights

Assisted in the development and testing of experimental setups for studies on immersive learning environments, ensuring data integrity and methodological rigor.

Conducted literature reviews and data analysis, providing foundational insights that contributed to later publications on VR/AR in education.

Collaborated with senior researchers on project design and execution, gaining hands-on experience in academic research methodologies.

Gymnasium

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Teacher (Mathematics, Computer Science, WAT)

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

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Summary

Delivered comprehensive instruction in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Work-Technology-Economics to secondary school students, fostering critical thinking and practical skills.

Highlights

Designed and implemented engaging curricula for diverse subjects, resulting in improved student performance and subject comprehension.

Utilized innovative teaching methodologies to explain complex mathematical and computer science concepts, enhancing student engagement and problem-solving abilities.

Managed classroom environments effectively, promoting a supportive and productive learning atmosphere for over 100 students annually.

Grundschule am Kirchsteigfeld

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Teacher (Music)

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

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Summary

Provided foundational music education to primary school students, cultivating creativity and an appreciation for the arts.

Highlights

Developed and delivered interactive music lessons for young learners, fostering early musical literacy and creative expression.

Organized and directed student performances, enhancing confidence and collaborative skills among participants.

Various Employers

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Student Support Roles (Call Center Agent, Gastronomy)

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

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Summary

Gained diverse professional experience through various part-time roles, demonstrating strong work ethic, adaptability, and customer service skills while pursuing academic studies.

Highlights

Provided effective customer support as a Call Center Agent, resolving inquiries and maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.

Managed guest services and operations in gastronomy settings, ensuring smooth event execution and positive customer experiences.

Demonstrated reliability and flexibility in managing multiple responsibilities concurrently, successfully balancing work and academic commitments.

University of Potsdam

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Mathematics Tutor (Computer Science & Biology)

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

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Summary

Provided specialized academic support in mathematics to university students in Computer Science and Biology, facilitating comprehension of complex quantitative concepts.

Highlights

Delivered individualized and group tutoring sessions, improving student understanding of challenging mathematical principles crucial for technical and scientific fields.

Developed tailored learning strategies and problem-solving techniques, leading to enhanced academic performance for tutees.

Collaborated with students to clarify course material and prepare for examinations, effectively bridging knowledge gaps.

F&K Physiktechnik Potsdam

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Programmer

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

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Summary

Developed and maintained software solutions for a physics technology company, applying programming expertise to real-world technical challenges.

Highlights

Contributed to the development of specialized software applications, enhancing system functionality and operational efficiency.

Collaborated with engineering teams to translate technical requirements into robust code, ensuring project objectives were met.

Performed debugging and optimization tasks, maintaining high standards of code quality and system performance.

Self-Employed

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Guitar Teacher & Stage Technician

Guben, Brandenburg, Germany

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Summary

Provided music instruction and technical support for events, developing early skills in teaching, performance, and technical production.

Highlights

Taught guitar to private students, developing foundational musical skills and fostering a passion for music.

Managed technical setup and operation for various stage events, ensuring seamless audio and visual experiences.

Gained practical experience in event logistics and client communication, supporting successful community initiatives.

Volunteer

VR/AR in Higher Education Advocate & Open-Source Contributor

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GI VR/AR Learning working group & EduVactoRy VR-Denkfabrik

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Actively promotes and develops the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality into higher education, fostering innovation and community growth.

Highlights

Led initiatives within the GI VR/AR Learning working group and the EduVactoRy VR-Denkfabrik to advance VR/AR applications in university teaching.

Contributed to the open-source development of "Teach-R," an educational tool, enhancing its functionality and accessibility for the broader academic community.

Organized and delivered guest lectures and workshops on immersive media and cybersecurity in schools, promoting STEM engagement and digital literacy.

Served as a jury member for song contests and participated in science slams, showcasing expertise in both technical and creative fields.

Event Technician, Organizer & Bartender

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Nil e.V., Pub-a-la-Pub & Kulturzentrum [KuZe]

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Contributes to the vibrant cultural scene of Potsdam through long-term involvement in event management, technical support, and community engagement.

Highlights

Provided comprehensive technical support for numerous cultural events, including sound engineering and stage management, ensuring high-quality attendee experiences.

Organized and promoted community events, attracting diverse audiences and fostering local cultural participation.

Managed front-of-house operations and customer service as a bartender, contributing to a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.

Supported various community initiatives, including festival security and roadie roles, demonstrating commitment to local arts and culture.

Education

University of Potsdam

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
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Master of Science Educational Technology

University of Potsdam

Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
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Bachelor of Education Education

Pestalozzi Gymnasium Guben

Guben, Brandenburg, Germany
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Abitur (High School Diploma) General Studies

Awards

AVRil 2018 Special Award

AVRil

Recognized for pioneering contributions and innovative approaches in integrating Virtual Reality into higher education teaching methodologies, specifically in the category "VR in Higher Education".

Publications

Vergleich von Stresssituationen im simulierten Schulunterricht durch Biofeedback

23. Fachtagung Bildungstechnologien (DELFI 2025), Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V.

Compares stress responses in simulated school teaching scenarios using biofeedback, providing insights into teacher training and well-being.

A systematic literature review on user factors to support the sense of presence in virtual reality learning environments

Computers & Education: X Reality

Presents a systematic literature review on user factors that enhance the sense of presence in virtual reality learning environments, informing design and implementation.

Virtueller Klassenraum: den Umgang mit Unterrichtsstörungen trainieren

Hochschulforum Digitalisierung – Hochschulbildung im digitalen Zeitalter

Explores the use of virtual classrooms to train educators in managing classroom disruptions, enhancing pedagogical skills and teacher preparedness.

Virtual reality as experimental method in embodied cognition

Experimental Methods in Embodied Cognition, Routledge

Explores virtual reality as an experimental methodology within the field of embodied cognition, offering new approaches to research design.

Präsenzgefühl und Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung im VR-Klassenzimmer

MedienPädagogik Zeitschrift für Theorie und Praxis der Medienbildung

Investigates the sense of presence and self-efficacy within VR classroom settings, contributing to media pedagogy research and understanding of immersive learning.

Jenseits des eigenen Klassenzimmers: Perspektiven & Weiterentwicklungen des VR-Classrooms.

DEFLI 2021, Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V.

Discusses future perspectives and advancements of VR classrooms, exploring new possibilities and developments in immersive educational environments.

Einsatz von Virtual Reality zum Aufbau von Klassenmanagement-Kompetenzen im Lehramtsstudium

DELFI 2019

Details the implementation of VR to build classroom management skills for student teachers, presented at the DELFI 2019 conference.

Evaluierung von E-Learning - Ein Kommentar zu „Media will Never InfluenceLearning“.

Academic Publication

A critical commentary on the evaluation of e-learning, addressing the influence of media on learning and pedagogical effectiveness.

Languages

German

English

Russian

American Sign Language (ASL)

Skills

Educational Technology & Research

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Immersive Learning, Educational Software Development, Pedagogical Research, Didactics, Curriculum Development, Experimental Design, Data Analysis, Academic Writing, Open-Source Contribution, STEM Education.

Programming & Technical Skills

Software Development, Programming, Debugging, System Optimization, Stage Technology, Audio-Visual Setup, IT Support.

Teaching & Mentoring

Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement, Tutoring, Music Instruction, Mathematics Instruction, Computer Science Instruction, Public Speaking, Mentorship.

Project & Event Management

Event Organization, Project Coordination, Stakeholder Management, Community Engagement, Logistics, Cultural Event Planning, Team Collaboration.