Jan Michael Boelmann

Professor Jan Michael Boelmann holds a Professorship for Literature and Media Didactics at Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, where he also serves as Director of the Center for Didactic Computer Game Research (ZfdC) and is a co-founding director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Digital Education (CIRDE). His work bridges German literature education with digital media, particularly focusing on how narrative computer games and other digital tools can enhance literary understanding in educational settings.

Professor Boelmann's research interests center on literature didactics, digital education, and the integration of computer games into teaching practices. He has developed the influential BOLIVE model for measuring literary competence and has published extensively on how narrative computer games can foster literary understanding, particularly in primary education contexts. His current research explores cognitive activation through digital learning tools and how students' media affinities affect their literary competence development.

His recent publications (2021-2024) show a consistent focus on practical applications of digital media in education, with particular emphasis on computer games in primary school settings, digital learning journals, and the assessment of literary competence through digital means. The publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary approach combining literary studies, educational psychology, and media studies.

Professor Boelmann currently leads multiple research projects including the Di.ge.LL-II research college on digital teaching methods and the MABEL project on media affinities. He supervises numerous doctoral candidates working on topics related to digital literary education and maintains active collaborations with Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.

Through the Center for Didactic Computer Game Research and the 'Aus erster Hand' lecture series, Professor Boelmann creates valuable opportunities for students to engage with both theoretical research and practical applications of digital media in education, connecting academic work with industry professionals including game developers, authors, and media specialists.