Mobility Goes Virtual
With "Mobility Goes Virtual", the Faculty of Computer Science and Business Information Systems (FIW) together with the International Office (HSIN) offer students the chance to go abroad virtually. Thus, the conventional mobility offers are complimented by a new facet that opens up intercultural exchange and improvement of language skills to a wider target group.
As part of the funding programme IVAC (International Virtual Academic Collaboration), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports the one-year project at the Faculty of Computer Science and Business Information Systems (FIW) in cooperation with the International Office (HSIN), the National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute" (KhPI), Ukraine, and LAB University of Applied Sciences, Finnland, in which a cross-university blended learning module on "Sustainability in digitalisation (Green IT)" is supposed to be developed.
Project goals
In the course of the project "Mobility Goes Virtual", a virtual module is supposed to be offered for students of the three partner universities. In the module, students deal with the topic of "Sustainability in digitalisation (Green IT)" in depth.
In addition to the thematic focus, the development of digital and intercultural competence are integral parts of the module. The use of digital educational tools and methods and their application within mutual lectures are not only created by the students themselves but also evaluated regarding their usability, accessibility, sustainability and/or learning effects. For example, students are supposed to create an approach to create hard and software solutions more sustainably.
The module is also shaped in a project- and team-oriented way. This enables exchange of students of both higher education institutions, to learn about project management in an international context, and to develop intercultural competence.
The module is mutually developed by lecturers of THWS, KhPI and LAB in a co-teaching format, and thus offers chance for international exchange, not only on a student level but also on a lecturer level. One other goal is to create offers for exchange during the lectures, that offer a framework programme for participants and introduce them to the other cultures. The mutual module is completed by mobility and a visit to the partner university for the final presentation of the teams.
More information can be found in the project flyer.
Ukraine – Green IT
In collaboration with our Ukrainian partner university, we offer a core elective (FWPM) with a focus on "Sustainability in digitalisation - Green IT". Learn more about the course contents.
In the second round of the project "Mobility Goes Virtual", students can virtually travel to the Ukrainian KhPI and to Germany to THWS. Together with the National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Instiute" (KhPI) in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and LAB University of Applied Sciences, Finland, a module is being created that focuses on "Sustainability in digitalisation - Green IT".
The module was initially offered in winter semester 2022/23.
Detailed information on the module
Sustainability in digitalisation (Green IT)
| Module type | Core elective module (FWPM) |
| Language | English |
| Study semester | 6,7 |
| Teaching load | 4 SWS |
| ECTS | 5 |
| Type of examination | Portfolio (incl. presentation) |
Detailed information on the module
The module's main focus is "Sustainability in Digitalisation-Green IT". Beyond the thematic focus, the acquisition of digital and intercultural skills is a central element of the module. This is demonstrated by the fact that the integration of digital educational tools and methods and their use within the joint classes should not only be reasonably organised by the students themselves, but also evaluated in terms of usability, accessibility, sustainability and/or learning effects. For example, students are expected to work out an approach that can be used to make hardware and software solutions more sustainable.
Choosing English as the language of instruction ensures a common ground for all partricipants and provides students with the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills.
The entire module is supervised by two lecturers from each of the two universities, who will present on the various topic blocks and act as mentors throughout the duration while the teams work on their solutions.
The module will be concluded by a short-term mobility to Germany and a fi nal workshop and presenation of the group work in person at FHWS. The elective module will be integrated into the degree programmes at both the German and Ukrainian universities and can therefore be fully credited.
Our partner universities
The National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute"
The National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute" (KhPI) is one of the oldest and most renowned Ukrainian universities. It is one of the leading research and education institutions of the country.
It has about 20,000 students, and 43 subject areas. They also have the Department of Software Engineering and Management Information Technologies (SEMIT) of the Faculty of Computer Science and Software Engineering.
Kharkiv is the second-largest Ukrainian city and with its ca. 300,000 students it is the country's student city. About 12,000 of them are international students.
LAB University of Applied Sciences
The strengths of LAB University of Applied Sciences lie in the areas of innovation, business and industry. They follow an active approach in which experts collaborate with companies in projects aimed to create innovations.
The university provides educational offers in the following areas: circular economy, design, innovation, and health.
With around 9,000 students, LAB is the sixth-largest higher education institution in Finland. It has two locations, Lahti and Lappeenranta. They also offer online-only teaching.
Previous modules
Romania: Tool Supported Distance Learning
Find out more about the core elective "Tool Supported Distance Learning".
Students share their experiences.