New Publication: “Developing a Dynamic University”

How can higher education be shaped to be sustainable in the age of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and social change? This question is the focus of the newly published anthology “Developing a Dynamic University—A Multi-Perspective Approach,” edited by the Institute for Innovative Teaching and Applied Teaching and Learning Research at RWU.

The publication brings together 16 scholarly articles on the further development of teaching, learning, and higher education organization in the context of digital transformation. All articles were written by faculty and researchers from RWU Ravensburg-Weingarten University and the Weingarten University of Education. Two and a half years after the first joint anthology, this new publication sheds light on current developments and future prospects in higher education.

Higher Education Development as a Dynamic Process

In their introductory article, Franziska Preiß, Professor Dr. Heidi Reichle, and Professor Dr. Jörg Wendorff describe higher education development as a dynamic process at the intersection of social, technological, and educational policy changes. A central feature of this development, according to the editors, is interdisciplinary collaboration, which is also reflected in the diversity of the authors. Through a multi-perspective view of the opportunities and challenges of higher education development, readers gain a multifaceted insight into theoretical concepts, empirical findings, and practice-oriented solutions that can contribute to shaping a sustainable higher education institution.

Future Skills and Digital Competence

The book is divided into three chapters: Fundamentals, Teaching and Learning Activities, and Settings. Among the fundamental issues is the development of future skills. For example, Martin Preußentanz views “composure” as a central future skill in the digital age. In light of phenomena such as constant availability, information overload, and digital dependencies, he advocates for a reflective and confident use of technology. Here, composure is not understood as abstaining from technology, but rather as a conscious attitude toward an increasingly digitized world of life and work.

Innovative Teaching and Learning Formats

Several articles focus on innovative approaches to higher education. Irena Schreyer and Jochen Weißenrieder examine the use of e-portfolios during the introductory phase of engineering and business degree programs. Their findings show that portfolio work can particularly promote self-reflection, learning planning, and goal orientation. Crucial to success are didactic support and the sustainable integration of these approaches into the curriculum.

In her article, Anna Maria Schmid explains that there are already a wide range of possibilities for the use of AI in social work—from case analyses and decision support to counseling, prevention, and reducing organizational workload. At the same time, there are risks such as data protection issues, a lack of transparency, and the danger of deprofessionalization. Universities bear a central responsibility in equipping future social workers to engage with AI in a competent and critical manner.

Effectively Combining Virtual and Physical Learning Spaces

Anna-Sophia Schwind and Markus Rossa illustrate how digital technologies can support the transfer of theory to practice using the example of the Applied Psychology program. Using the virtual reality application “RWU Talk,” developed at RWU, students practice diagnostic interviews with lifelike avatars of people with mental health conditions. Initial evaluations indicate high acceptance and positive learning outcomes. The article also underscores the importance of integrating immersive technologies into higher education in a pedagogically sound manner.

The design of learning environments is also addressed in the anthology. Professor Dr. Andre Kaufmann examines skill acquisition in virtual and real electrical engineering laboratories. His findings show that simulation-based labs promote a solid and effective understanding of technical concepts, while real labs provide indispensable practical experience. Both formats complement each other and each makes an important contribution to the development of professional competence.

Contribution to Higher Education of the Future

“Digitalization and AI, internationalization, and changing learning and work cultures are among the key challenges that universities must address,” emphasizes Professor Dr. Heidi Reichle, Vice Rector for Didactics, Digitalization, and University Communications at RWU. “With this volume, we are making an important contribution to the discussion of these topics and making our work available to all interested individuals and institutions.”

The volume “Developing a Dynamic University” has been published by Waxmann Verlag and is freely accessible online. In doing so, the I3L Institute at RWU underscores its role as an open platform for topics in higher education pedagogy, even beyond the RWU community.

Click here for the e-book: "Developing a Dynamic University"