Two years of "Digital Teaching Exchange" at the HSZG offer inspiring insights into the world of digital teaching methods: a review and outlook.
It is not new that the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has a real treasure trove of committed lecturers and a large number of innovative teaching/learning concepts and examples of good practice. In order to meet the desire of many lecturers for more cross-disciplinary / cross-location exchange, the collegial (online) discussion format "Exchange Digital Teaching HSZG" was launched in the winter semester 2022/2023 as part of the HSZG action plan adopted by the Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs Prof.in Dr.in rer. pol.
In cooperation with the Centre for eLearning (zfe) and the Saxon digitization project D2C2, a service has been established over the past two years in which lecturers at the HSZG can exchange information on digital teaching methods across faculties and thus accelerate the transfer of innovative best-practice approaches. The regular online meetings have become an integral part of the knowledge exchange. Each session is enriched by a 10-minute specialist input with a didactic reference by a lecturer from the HSZG. This input serves as the basis for a subsequent discussion in which participants can ask questions, share their own experiences and gain valuable ideas for their teaching activities.
The main topics of the now more than two dozen meetings were digital teaching formats from blended learning to hybrid teaching, interaction and motivation in teaching, digital tools and platforms, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, transition and introduction to studies as well as didactic innovations and challenges. The OPAL course accompanying the event provides an overview of details on the topics, the speakers and further information on the format.
With the support of the Saxon digitalization project D2C2, the digital teaching exchange at the HSZG has developed from a concept in the Digital Change Agent programme into a successful long-term offer. Here, lecturers can share their experiences, ideas and concepts across faculties and disciplines: from digital tools and interaction opportunities to reflecting on their own role as lecturers. The digital teaching exchange puts the HSZG's goal of supporting lecturers in the digital transformation and the design of future-oriented teaching into practice.
”The format, in which lecturers from all faculties participate as a matter of course, is in my view a successful example of collegial cooperation, where impulses and collaborations often arise that are not always in the "script". All the more reason for me to thank all participants for their inspiring insights and valuable discussions! Time and again, it becomes clear how many great didactic approaches and opportunities for digitalization in teaching are already being implemented and how important it is for lecturers to exchange ideas in order to benefit from their colleagues' experiences. It is therefore hardly surprising that other universities, inspired by the HSZG, are also trying to implement formats based on the "Digital Teaching Exchange" model.
”This format not only provides valuable knowledge about current digital teaching and learning methods, but also arouses curiosity about future developments in this dynamic field. I particularly appreciate the interdisciplinary exchange that is encouraged in this course. Teachers from different locations, disciplines, skill and career levels come together to share their experiences and discuss innovative approaches that can have an impact beyond their own discipline. This exchange is motivating and enriching, as it makes it possible to combine different specialist cultures and perspectives and thus gain new impetus for one's own teaching.
”The "Digital Teaching Exchange HSCG" format is an important step towards the digital transformation of our university. It not only promotes interdisciplinary dialog, but also strengthens the innovative power of our teaching staff. Together, we are shaping future-oriented teaching that meets the requirements of a constantly changing job market.
”From October, we will be launching further episodes of the diverse exchange format on digital teaching formats, methods and tools, AI, e-assessments, future skills as well as challenges and tips for the digitalization of studying and teaching.
It starts with the following dates:
Date 1:
18.10.2024 - Time: 11:40 am to 12:30 pm
Topic: studienerfolg@saxHAW at the HSZG (the project introduces itself)
Date 2:
08.11.2024 - Time: 11:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Topic: Promoting learning processes through electronic tests with ONYX (OPAL)
We cordially invite you to join us!
All dates of the exchange meetings, access to the online room and further information on methods, tools, good practices and events on the subject of digital teaching can be found on our website.
Would you like to share your experience with us in the form of input ? Please contact us at ro.freudenreich(at)hszg.de or 03583/612 4828.
By the way: Teachers can have their participation in the exchange format credited towards their HDS.certificate! So it's doubly worthwhile.
