Face-to-face, online and hybrid – Teaching in continuing education

Some of the departments at Hochschule München are part of the MSDNAA (Microsoft Developer Network – Academic Alliance) programme, which enables them to provide students with Microsoft development tools and operating systems. Further information is available from the relevant department.

In addition, the Information Technology Services website provides useful information on software procurement.

There is never any reason to neglect politeness. Respectful interaction is essential in both online and face-to-face courses. This is particularly important because, as a participant, you will want to get the most out of your career-integrated studies. After all, it is through interaction with your fellow students and lecturers that you can discuss issues and develop new ideas.

It hardly needs explaining that discussions in a face-to-face setting unfold quite differently from those in an online conference. Netiquette sets out what every participant can do to ensure that an online event is a complete success – provided the technology doesn’t throw a spanner in the works:

• Being (overly) punctual: Arriving a few minutes early for the meeting helps avoid stressful issues with audio and video connections and increases your chances of catching all the information.
• Should the microphone be on or off? Well, switch it on if you’re going to speak, and switch it off at all other times to avoid any background noise.
• A headset helps to prevent feedback (that well-known echo).
• Should the video be on or off? With a video feed, a seminar immediately feels much more personal and closer to a non-virtual, face-to-face situation. In rare cases, however, it may be helpful to switch the camera off, for example to resolve transmission issues.
• Please do not record: The organiser retains the rights to any images. If an online event is being recorded, you will be notified so that you can switch off your camera if necessary.
• Side note: Digital teaching materials. Please note that teaching materials made available to you in digital form must not be redistributed without permission and are intended for your personal use as part of your studies.
• Staying actively engaged: Non-verbal communication and the atmosphere are not as easy to pick up on in a video conference as they are during a face-to-face event. That is why it is all the more important for participants to remain actively engaged. Use the chat function or raise your (virtual) hand to ask to speak.
• Alert and focused: Don’t make a distinction for yourself between whether a course takes place online or in person – stay alert and focused so that you can get the most out of it.

Incidentally, all these tips – provided they do not relate exclusively to a technical aspect – can be applied to face-to-face classes, as etiquette is and always will be in vogue.