DAAD: Successful - Digital - Integrated: Studies at the TU Dresden (EDI:TUD)

EDI:TUD is about synergistically linking the existing offers of the TU Dresden and thus successfully integrating foreign students into teaching and research on the one hand, and into campus life on the other hand.

The measures in the project are structured along six objectives:

© TUD

1. Promotion and teaching of technical language:
In cooperation with ILK lecturers, the SZD, central institutions at the TU Dresden and external experts, coaching for the practical use of scientific language is designed and implemented.
-> In conception since winter semester 2021/2022.

2. Mediation of the academic culture at the TU Dresden:
For this goal, tandems of two students are formed at the ILK. They act as mediators and mentors for other students. Furthermore, handouts and guidelines are developed together with ILK lecturers (and are available to students via OPAL). 
In implementation since June 2021.

3. Connecting the German and the international students:
The basic idea behind the third goal is to reduce segregation by origin through the formation of interest groups. In order to allow German and international students to interact, peer-to-peer measures are being implemented, with tutors acting as intermediaries between international and German students. On the other hand, a matrix-based exchange platform is currently being organized to facilitate getting to know each other before the start of the semester.
In implementation since July 2021.

4. Expansion of digital offerings:
TU Dresden's analog and digital support services will be better linked to allow international students to learn independently. This is intended to give international students (i.) low-threshold access to necessary information (e.g. via forums, wikis, and self-tests on OPAL), as well as (ii.) access to interactive tools where their specific questions and needs can be specifically addressed (e.g. current setup of an interactive Python notebook).
In implementation since summer semester 2021.

5. Development of the intercultural and methodological competence of the teachers:
Another effort is to update and systematize the already existing teaching materials (especially for e-learning) and to supplement them with newly recorded ones. The aspects of interculturality, internationalization and e-learning didactics are to be given special consideration. In addition, the teachers take part in internal and external further education offers: TU Dresden informs about the concrete offer under Career: Continuing Education for Employees ; intercultural continuing education underlies the SprInt Program in particular.
In implementation since March 2021.

6. Linkage with existing offers of the TUD:
The primary goal of EDI:TUD is to create synergies with existing offerings at TU Dresden, which will be implemented in the ILK as a model institute. Currently, networking activities are ongoing, e.g. with the ZiLL, WBZ, TUD-Certificate E-Teaching or the PASST?! program.
In implementation since 03/2021.

In addition to the project management, which is carried out by the ILK, several other departments of the TU Dresden are involved:

• The accompanying evaluation is carried out by the Center for Quality Analysis  (Zentrum für Qualitätsanalyse (ZQA)). In addition, the ZQA is responsible for the scientific support.
• International Office of the Department of Engineering (Büro Internationales)
• International Office (AAA)
• Writing Center of the TUD (SZD)
• PASST?!-Program
• Center for Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching (ZILL)

If you are also interested in getting involved in EDI and have ideas regarding the above-mentioned objectives of the project, we would be pleased to hear from you!