HyFlex Maschinenbau - Questions for our digitalisation expert

Why was the Bachelor HyFlex Mechanical Engineering created?

What do we take away from the Corona semesters? That was the question we asked ourselves. No one wanted to simply "go back". The digital lectures had got off to a good start, and the high degree of flexibility had made everyone involved appreciate them. We definitely wanted to retain the flexibility and freedom of location and the efficiency that goes with it.

What makes the degree programme at THI unique?

It is the first degree programme at the THI to combine face-to-face and digital teaching. All lectures are streamed live from the lecture hall. As a student, I don't necessarily have to be on site at the THI every day. This allows me to organise my studies very flexibly and according to my personal situation. I not only learn digitally, but also have the opportunity for personal contact with the lecturers and my fellow students at any time. It's a normal full-time course of study, but with the option of choosing a flexible lecture location.

What (technical) challenges did you have to overcome?

First of all, one or two lecturers still had to be convinced. They were familiar with digital and face-to-face teaching, but combining the two was new. The biggest concern of the lecturers was the technology to be used. When it came to the technology, it was important for us that the whole thing be as simple and intuitive to use as possible, so that the lecturer could concentrate on teaching. Furthermore, interaction with the digital students had to be possible, as well as good image and sound quality, of course.

How was it implemented?

The whole thing is implemented with an all-in-one conference system and streamed with Zoom. The conference system (camera and microphone) is positioned approx. 2.5 metres in front of the blackboard and is oriented towards the blackboard. This creates the streamed area in front of the blackboard.

How has the new course started?

Quite well, I would say. A few small technical problems still had to be ironed out, but on the whole things are running smoothly. The lecturers are getting along well with the system. It is noticeable that a large part of the students are on site. We were already afraid that the lecturer would be alone in the lecture hall.

What is your personal conclusion? What is going well, where is there still potential for improvement?

My personal feedback is positive. Everything went very well and the offer is well received. There is still potential for optimisation in one or two areas. For example, we still have to improve the picture and sound quality and would like to bring the digital students even closer to the lecture hall with an additional screen and make the system even easier for the lecturers.

Thank you very much! The interview was conducted by Anna C. Schreckling

Image sources: Bühler GmbH, Abismo Maurer Rides GmbH