VITALS - Building Bridges - Innovative Strategies for Cross-Cultural Engagement in Online Learning

VITALS: Virtual and International Teaching and Learning Skills

The internationalization of courses at universities is increasingly in demand. Through (virtual) international seminars, lecturers as well as students can expand their intercultural but also professional competencies, build international networks and jointly design innovative teaching. In comparison to physical mobility, digital internationalization is considerably less expensive. Moreover, it is more inclusive, flexible and sustainable, while promoting digital competencies of participants.  However, these innovative teaching formats also entail numerous challenges such as technical and organizational requirements, special didactical and methodological demands, as well as performance assessment and certification issues. 

This workshop series aims to address these challenges faced by educators and learners by providing insights, theoretical foundations, and practical recommendations for internationalizing virtual courses, emphasizing their significant inherent value. Over the course of five sessions, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their digital skills and sensitivity to intercultural disparities. The workshop will specifically focus on fostering two-way feedback mechanisms and address the complexities of performance assessment. Additionally, it will introduce the ePortfolio as a versatile tool for documentation, intercultural exchange, and self-reflection.

• 03.05.2024, 10:00 - 12:00: Definitions and Basic Concepts

• 17.05.2024, 10:00 - 12:00: Potential of Virtual International Teaching

• 24.05.2024, 10:00 - 12:00: Challenges of Virtual International Teaching

• 14.06.2024, 10:00 - 12:00: Communication and Feedback

• 28.06.2024, 10:00 - 12:00: Reflection and Assessment (ePortfolios)

Registration