Norwegian version of this page

Knowledge Integration in Teacher Education through Technology Enhanced Simulation (KITES)

KITES is a collaborative, design-based research project lead by Østfold University College, Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages, and funded by the Research Council of Norway (2026–2030). Its goal is to develop and explore technology-enhanced, scenario-based simulations that help student teachers integrate theoretical and practical knowledge as a foundation for informed decision-making and justification of professional actions. We use VR, 360-degree video, and AI chatbots to create authentic situations where students can safely practice complex challenges — situations that might otherwise be too resource-intensive or ethically difficult in ordinary field practice.

The scenarios are developed in collaboration with teachers, student teachers, and teacher educators/researchers. The project will produce openly available prototypes that can be used and further developed in other teacher education programmes and in mentoring newly qualified teachers.

Why is the project important?

KITES tackles a persistent challenge in teacher education: connecting theory and practice. Through realistic, technology-supported simulations, students can practice, make mistakes, and reflect without risk.

The project aims to

Reduce the “practice shock” for newly qualified teachers
Advance research on knowledge integration
Strengthen research-based teacher education and professional practice
Build new collaboration structures between teacher education and schools
Develop open prototypes for scenario-based simulations

What is scenario-based technology enhanced simulation in this project?

Scenario-based technology enhanced simulation is a learning method that uses realistic, digital scenarios to train for real-world challenges. Instead of reading theory or merely observing, students actively engage in a digital environment that mirrors classroom realities. For example, they may face a simulated class with diverse student behaviours. The student teacher must make choices, manage situations, and later reflect with guidance.

In summary: Scenario-based digital simulation enables student teachers to practice complex classroom situations in a safe, realistic, and interactive digital environment.

Project team and collaborative partners

KITES is led by professors Hilde Afdal and Ingeborg Krange at Østfold University College (OUC), in collaboration with researchers from OsloMet and Aalborg University, Indre Østfold Municipality, and The Education Union Østfold. The project will fund two PhD candidates and several master theis and research assistants.