Teaching Higher Mathematics Using Virtual Reality Tools During an ERASMUS+ Teaching Visit

April 24, 2026

On April 20–24 of this year, the Department of Mathematical Statistics at the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences of VILNIUS TECH hosted Fabian Contreras Barraza, a mathematics lecturer from Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (Chile), during an ERASMUS+ teaching visit.

The purpose of the visit was to share experience in teaching higher mathematics, present innovative teaching methods, and strengthen international cooperation in the field of mathematics didactics. Such visits contribute to improving the quality of studies and encourage the integration of modern technologies into the teaching process.

During the visit, the guest lecturer conducted classes for third-year students of the “Data Analysis Technologies” study programme. Active teaching methods were applied to encourage student engagement and independent thinking. Students participated in:

  • group work
  • scientific discussions
  • experimental activities
  • the use of virtual reality (VR) tools and GeoGebra

The eight-hour lecture cycle was designed based on the principles of the semiotic representation theory developed by Raymond Duval. These principles emphasize the importance of multiple representations of mathematical objects and the ability to transition between them. Such transitions are considered essential for achieving deeper mathematical understanding.

These principles were applied in lectures focused on directional derivatives and gradient concepts of multivariable functions. The learning process incorporated discussions, group work, and interactive virtual reality environments that enabled students to visualize multidimensional mathematical structures and better understand complex concepts.

During the lectures, individual attention was given to each student, and open discussions at the end of the sessions encouraged reflection and critical thinking. Observing students’ activity, engagement, and positive working atmosphere, it can be concluded that the applied methodology is effective in increasing student motivation and improving learning outcomes.

In addition to teaching activities, meetings and discussions were held within the Department of Mathematical Statistics regarding mathematics teaching methodologies and research topics. Opportunities for further international cooperation were discussed, including potential joint projects and academic exchanges.

The Head of the Department of Mathematical Statistics expresses sincere gratitude to colleagues, the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences administration, and the Multimedia Design Laboratory for their support and cooperation, which ensured the smooth implementation of the visit activities.

Related news

New doctoral dissertation
New doctoral dissertation
VILNIUS TECH Library invites you to follow the published new dissertations. The dissertation „Development and Property Studies of Structures with Acoustic Metamaterial Made from Recycled Plastic“ („Konstrukcijų su akustine metamedžiaga iš perdirbto plastiko kūrimas ir savybių tyrimai“) prepared at VILNIUS TECH by Andrej Naimušin. The dissertation was prepared in 2021–2026. Scientific consultant – Assoc. Prof. Dr Tomas Januševičius. The dissertation was defended at the public meeting of the Dissertation Defence Council of the Scientific Field of Environmental Engineering in the Aula Doctoralis Meeting Hall of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University at 9 a.m. on 15 May 2026. The dissertation examines plastic constructions and an acoustic metamaterial that is based on the Helmholtz resonator’s operating principle. The main object of the research is a structure made of a metamaterial from recyclable plastic, which has good sound insulation and sound absorption properties. The dissertation aims to create a structure made of metamaterial from recycled plastic to improve sound insulation for indoor partitions and room sound absorption. The following tasks are solved in the work: the first task concerns the development of metamaterials and the study of their non-acoustic and acoustic properties; the second task is related to theoretical calculations for individual metamaterial resonators using the transfer matrix method; the third and fourth tasks characterise acoustic properties using an interferometer and a sound transmission chamber, and the design of sound-absorbing panels made of recycled plastic metamaterial and sound-insulating systems with recycled plastic metamaterial; and the fifth task is the prediction of the sound insulation and sound absorption of the final engineering solution using modelling programmes. The dissertation consists of an introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, a list of used literature, and a list of the author’s publications on the topic of the dissertation. The introductory chapter describes the research problem and the work’s relevance, describes the object of the research, formulates the aim and tasks of the work, indicates the research methodologies, the scientific novelty of the work and the practical significance of the work results, and presents defended statements. The introduction closes by listing the author’s publications and conference presentations on the dissertation topic and by providing the dissertation’s structure. The First Chapter examines the possibilities of recycling plastic waste to improve indoor acoustics and analyses scientific research on sound insulation and sound absorption. The Second Chapter presents methodologies for sample calculation and preparation, determination of acoustic and non-acoustic properties, and modelling of sound insulation and absorption. The Third Chapter presents the results of theoretical, sound insulation, sound absorption, and static air resistance research and their analysis. Five scientific articles have been published on the dissertation topic: three in scientific journals included in the Web of Science database; one in the Scopus-referenced conference proceedings; and one in a conference proceedings publication referenced in other international databases. Five presentations on the dissertation topic were given at conferences in Lithuania and abroad. Doctoral dissertation readers can search via VILNIUS TECH Virtual Library.
More