Following the peer-to-peer strategy consultation, the HSZG implements measures for the digitalization of studying and teaching in a participatory process.
Building on the recommendations of the peer-to-peer strategy consultation of the Hochschulforum Digitalisierung and the resulting action plan of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, the participatory process to develop a strategy for digitalization in studies and teaching is progressing. The next step was the University for Future (UF4) workshop to develop a "digital identity" for our HSZG, which was hosted by Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Sophia Keil in her role as Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs on 20.09.2022.
The aim was to exchange views with representatives of the individual faculties, the HSZG support structures (Centre for E-Learning, Education and International Affairs Office, University Computer Centre, etc.) and students on the goals of digitizing studying and teaching at the HSZG and the challenges involved. The workshop was framed by expert input on digitalization strategies from other universities and the importance of participation processes for the development of a digitalization narrative with the resulting tasks for the entire institution. Special thanks go to Dr. Jannica Budde and the Hochschulforum Digitalisierung for their support of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences in the various key areas of strategy development and the important perspectives in this context.
The workshop helped to promote a common understanding of the design of digitalization measures. The focus here is on improving student success and strengthening networking between university locations and with national and international education stakeholders. Digitalization must be understood as an overarching topic that follows basic didactic considerations.
It is not only important to focus on teaching methods (tools) and teaching content (for the digital working world), but also to fulfil the mandate to society to "promote digitalization and digital skills". Fields of action lie in particular in the areas of Digitalization in teaching, curriculum development, internal communication & HR development as well as support structures and resources. In addition to the technical infrastructure, didactic aspects are particularly important! All members of the university must be involved in the digital transformation. The workshop participants agreed that we are a face-to-face university and want to remain so. We use digitalization as a tool, for example, to enable flexibility in terms of time and location in teaching where it is needed through digital elements, to increase efficiency in teaching administration and to further expand the regional, national and international appeal of the HSZG. We want to prepare our students for the digital world of work.
Based on the results, the Education and International Office is working with the Centre for E-Learning and representatives of the faculties and the University Computer Centre to develop recommendations for measures to promote digitalization in studies and teaching. A further U4F workshop is planned for the first quarter of 2023.
The university management would like to thank all those involved for their commitment to date and looks forward to their participation in the further process.
The "Digital Teaching Exchange" format offers lecturers at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
topic-related impulses and the opportunity for collegial exchange on university/media didactic topics.
Dates, topics and details on the format can be found here.
What is behind this format?
