Viadrina delegation works with project partners in Kenya on digital teaching and internationalisation

Workshops on international partnerships took centre stage at the University of Eldoret. The aim was to develop common standards for future international cooperation. The two heads of international affairs from Paris, Dr Annie Soriot, and from Viadrina, Stefan Henkel, gave a joint presentation to provide an insight into how differently internationalisation can be organised at universities. They made it clear that the actual practice is heavily dependent on the profile of the university.

The subsequent visit to the Open University of Kenya in Konza offered insights into one of the country's most modern digital university initiatives. The discussions focused on innovative learning platforms, the use of open educational resources and new ways of teaching and learning in a world increasingly characterised by artificial intelligence and digital tools. Franziska Liebetanz, Head of the Viadrina's Center for Teaching and Learning, presented the Viadrina's digital teaching and learning environment. The Viadrina programme for Cooperative Online Learning (COIL) was met with particular interest. Viadrina President Prof Dr Eduard Mühle also gained an impression of the cooperation on site during these project days and intensified the contacts between the Kenyan universities and the Viadrina.

Another key partner in Kenya is the TCC Africa (Training Centre in Communication). The organisation led the final workshop series, which took place online in mid-April. The focus was on the question of how the academic visibility of Kenyan universities can be strengthened both nationally and internationally. Dr Geny Piotti contributed valuable experience from Viadrina's Unit for Research and Career Development, in particular on strategies for research presentation and international outreach.

The impressions from both visits will now be incorporated into the next phase of the PROSPER project, which aims to sustainably strengthen digital higher education in Kenya. From 15 to 17 June, representatives from the University of Eldoret, the Open University of Kenya and TCC Africa will visit Viadrina.