Daniel Wirth

Daniel Wirth serves as an Academic Councillor and Lecturer for Special Tasks at the Institute of Geography and Geology within the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Würzburg. His primary affiliation is with the Didactics of Geography department, where he has been employed since January 2020, focusing on the digital transformation of geography education with particular emphasis on virtual reality applications and sustainable development education.

Wirth earned his First State Examination in Geography and German Studies for Realschule (secondary school) teaching at the University of Würzburg, followed by his Second State Examination with distinction. His educational journey included a four-month international teaching practicum in Kosovo through the Robert Bosch Foundation's "Völkerverständigung macht Schule" program.

His research centers on innovative digital approaches to geography education, particularly exploring how virtual reality technologies can enhance teaching and learning experiences in sustainable development education. Wirth has developed specialized expertise in creating virtual field trips and 360-degree learning environments that make geographical concepts more accessible and engaging for students. His work bridges traditional geography teaching methods with cutting-edge digital tools to create more immersive and effective learning experiences.

Analysis of his publication record reveals a clear trajectory from general digital tools in education toward increasingly sophisticated virtual reality applications specifically tailored for sustainable development education. His research demonstrates both theoretical depth and practical classroom applicability, with a strong emphasis on empowering teachers to create their own digital learning materials.

Professional Recognition

• Junior Fellow in the Kolleg Didaktik:digital program sponsored by the Joachim Herz Foundation in Hamburg (2020-2022)
• Tenured civil servant (Beamter auf Lebenszeit) since March 2016
• Robert Bosch Foundation scholarship recipient for international teaching experience in Kosovo (2009-2011)

As an educator, Wirth has supervised numerous written theses for pre-service geography teachers and developed innovative teaching approaches that integrate digital tools into geography education. He serves as the webmaster for the Geography Didactics working group and as editor for the "Digital" section of the Schulmagazin 5-10 journal. His professional activities extend beyond the university to include significant contributions to teacher training across Bavaria, where he regularly conducts workshops on virtual reality applications and digital teaching methods for practicing educators.

Wirth leads initiatives focused on creating digital learning environments, particularly through his work with virtual reality field trips. His current projects involve training pre-service geography teachers to develop their own VR excursions focused on sustainable development topics, creating a sustainable pipeline of digitally competent geography educators who can implement these innovative approaches in their future classrooms.