About Dr. Daniela Decker

Daniela Decker is a postdoctoral researcher in the field of Empirical Educational Research and Educational Psychology. In her research, she focuses on: 

• Digital competencies of university members 
• Support mechanisms that facilitate orientation and learning in VR learning environments 

Education 

• 2025: PhD in Psychology (Dr. rer. nat.), University of Tübingen 
• 2019: M.Sc. in Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau 
• 2016: B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau 
• 2013: IHK qualification as a Research Specialist in Market and Social Research 

Professional Positions and Affiliations 

• Since 03/2024: Research Associate at the Bonn Center for Teacher Education (BZL), University of Bonn 
• 09/2019 – 02/2024: Research Associate at the German Institute for Adult Education
• 11/2015 – 09/2018: Student Research Assistant at the Peace Academy Rhineland-Palatinate
• 02/2013 – 07/2015: Research Specialist in Market and Social Research at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training 

Projects 

• #Digitalkompetenz.nrw  

Selected Publications 

• Decker, D., & Merkt, M. (2025). Look at me! Can a pedagogical agent facilitate orientation and support learning in VR? Educational technology research and development. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-025-10531-9 
• Decker, D., & Merkt, M. (2024). Shake it or light it! The effects of cueing in desktop-VR learning environments on search time and learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 40(3), 1201–1217. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12945 
• Decker, D., & Merkt, M. (2023). Do a pedagogical agent’s clothing and an animated video’s setting affect learning? Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1205338