Competence Center for Digital Learning & Teaching
Online Learning
Dear students,
there will be no classroom teaching until at least 19 April 2020. All courses and language courses of the summer semester will be offered in online format from April 14, 2020..At the same time, it should be kept in mind that the lecture period should end on July 24 as planned. You will therefore continue your studies with digital tools and have the opportunity to achieve your study goals and credit points - even if classroom teaching will not be possible to the full extent. We would like to support you in this.
The Moodle courses will be gradually activated by the teachers, more information can be found below under "Tools in online teaching".
We have put together the following information about online study for you:
Moodle
The most important e-learning platform of the European University is Moodle. >>> Please register for your respective Moodle courses of the summer semester.<< (Classes will be opened by your lecturers respetivley)
Digital teaching takes place mainly via this platform. A Moodle tutorial can be found here. If you need support, please contact elearning-support@europa-uni.de
Tip: You can also install Moodle as an app on your smartphone and log in with your university account. (Free at the Google Play Store / Apple Store)
Mahara
Mahara is another e-learning platform of the European University Viadrina and is open to all Viadrina students for their own use. You can create groups, share and edit content, communicate in forums, present your own work, etc. Mahara thus offers a privacy compliant, secure alternative to social service providers hosted outside the EU. Your data uploaded to Mahara is stored on the Viadrina servers. You can decide yourself which content is activated for whom.
Click here to go to Mahara
VPN
With a VPN connection with which you can access databases of the University Library.
VPN informations
If you value the encounters in the seminar room and on campus, online teaching will bring a big change and a completely new experience to you. Be prepared that it will be different than usual and give yourself and the teachers time to adjust to the new situation together with you. The new situation is a challenge, but it can also bring opportunities. Let us make the best of it.
| Communicaion and interaction | Respectful interaction with one another In the digital setting, respectful interaction with one another is particularly important. This includes clear and friendly communication and respectful interaction: Whether synchronous or asynchronous - treat fellow students and teachers in a polite and friendly manner, just as you would treat them face to face. Clear agreements are important in order to work well together and avoid misunderstandings. It can be very helpful in group work or other discussions to summarise in writing the next steps and agreements made. Punctuality in online events is also part of "netiquette". Please arrive in time for synchronous events, such as video or audio conferences. Please plan some time in advance so that you can adjust if necessary in case of technical problems. Ask your teachers which communication channels they prefer: forums in Moodle? email? Are there online or telephone consultation hours? Try to clarify any ambiguities (e.g. unclear tasks or deadlines) with the teachers as soon as possible. |
| Digital study means more self-study | Often a characteristic of online teaching is that thorough preparation and follow-up work is required on your side. You get less knowledge "delivered". Instead, you will be given tasks and materials to help you acquire the knowledge yourself. Schedule fixed time slots in your daily life to prepare the tasks or materials that you put online. Be aware that studying online is more time-consuming than you might be used to. |
| Studying is not just about learning - the social side is also important | Online teaching and learning must and should not mean that you become lonely in front of your computer! It is important and helpful, just as in face-to-face study, when you come into contact with your fellow students. Please maintain your profile in Moodle and upload a picture - this will also make it easier for teachers. Make use of introduction rounds in the courses, perhaps suggest them, and consider what additional media you might want to use to get in touch with each other. The Mahara platform, for example, is open to all Viadrina students. There you can form groups, share content, exchange ideas and present your own content. Your data is stored on Viadrina's secure servers and you decide for whom you want to share it. You can also use the student advisory services, such as the student writing consultations, the language learning advisory service and the intercultural advisory service, in order to get into direct contact with students who can support you in these areas from a student perspective. And of course, student involvement is also an important part of studying in digital worlds. You yourself also contribute to the design of the teaching! Contribute yourself and your ideas and give feedback to fellow students and teachers. |
| Advice for digital studies | If you have problems using Moodle or Mahara for your digital studies, please contact elearning-support@europa-uni.de |
| Writing support | Writing advice and writing groups The Writing Center continues to offer online individual writing advice. If you would like feedback on texts or assistance in organising your writing tasks, please contact the Writing Centre for further information. |
| Open ear - peer tutors support international students | Peer tutors of the Centre for Intercultural Learning offer online meetings and advice for international students. You can find further information on the website of the Center for Intercultural Learning. |
| Student Advisory Service | On the homepage of the Student Advisory Service you will find current information for students. |
| Counselling | Difficult or stressful situations during studies, fears, crisis of meaning? The psychological difficulties do not disappear even in times of Corona. In the counselling centres the contact persons can still be reached. Although the direct personal exchange of ideas has been discontinued for the time being, telephone counselling or contact by e-mail can still be used. Here you will find information on psychological counselling. |
| Practical matters and organisation | The Interstudis is a voluntary student organisation which works with international students in practical matters and organises several social events during the year. During the first couple of weeks, a tutor will guide you through the necessary administrative procedures and, if needed, will translate for those having problems understanding. |
Do you have exams coming up? You can find information about exams here.
All official regulations and informations are released on the homepage of the public relations department.