Introducing Dr. Nico Rutten
We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Nico Rutten to the GRACE team, where he will contribute to courses on learning theory and educational design. With a strong background in science education, instructional design and immersive learning, Nico brings a valuable perspective to the GRACE curriculum—especially in helping students connect theory with hands-on practice.
From Inquiry-Based Learning to Immersive Education
Nico Rutten holds a PhD in science education and has spent over 15 years researching how digital tools, such as simulations and e-learning platforms, can enrich the way students learn STEM subjects. He has worked as a researcher and lecturer at various institutions, including the University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and has been active in both teacher education and curriculum innovation.
He is currently affiliated with Saxion’s “Vernieuwend Onderwijs” (Innovative Education) research group, and contributes to the Master Learning and Innovation, where he supports both student learning and teacher development.
During his postdoc at Utrecht University, Nico developed an augmented reality sandbox—a playful, research-driven tool that helps students explore geography and topography through embodied cognition.
“With this AR sandbox, students literally shape their understanding of terrain by interacting with it. These types of tools make learning tangible, exploratory, and deeply engaging,”
– Dr. Nico Rutten
Research-Driven Teaching
Nico’s approach to education is deeply informed by research. With more than 1,500 citations and publications in highly regarded journals, his work explores how simulations, inquiry-based teaching, and XR tools can support more active, reflective, and effective learning environments.
His recent co-authored publication, Defining XR-Specific Teacher Competencies: Extending the DigCompEdu Framework for Immersive Education, outlines a framework for how educators can make meaningful use of XR in classrooms.
📄 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu4010011
Other notable publications include:
- The learning effects of computer simulations in science education
- Inquiry-based whole-class teaching with computer simulations in physics
- Investigating an intervention to support computer simulation use in whole-class teaching
A Vision for GRACE
At GRACE, Nico will guide students in transforming theoretical ideas about people learn, how educational experiences can be designed, and how emerging tools like XR can support different types of learners. His contribution aligns perfectly with the program’s mission to bridge innovation, research, and real-world application.
“For me, GRACE offers the perfect opportunity to combine what we know from educational research with the creative potential of immersive technologies. I look forward to helping students develop the skills—and mindset—to design learning experiences that truly make an impact.”
– Dr. Nico Rutten
Want to connect or learn more about Nico’s work? You can find him on LinkedIn or explore his publications on Google Scholar or ResearchGate.
