The project addresses the development of modular learning materials and case studies within the overarching theme of "Digital Transformation," targeting both Bachelor's and Master's level courses. The project's objective are to create 1) knowledge modules and 2) related integrated case studies that can be configured by educators based on their specific teaching context and target audience. The case studies offer a pre-structured, practical, and curated approach to the content, while the knowledge modules can also be used as standalone components. These knowledge modules are suitable for self-study as E-Learning materials, complemented by self-assessment tools.

Considering the learning management systems used by project partners and the specific academic programs or courses being addressed, resources will be developed in both German and/or English language, suitable for platforms such as Moodle and ILIAS. While the knowledge modules maintain a neutral industry focus, the case studies introduce an additional industry-specific perspective. This aspect aligns with the involvement of project partners from the Competence Center E-Commerce (CCEC) at the Fachhochschule Südwestfalen, from Technische Hochschule Köln, and Hochschule Niederrhein, with a particular emphasis on Retail (E-Commerce), Automotive (E-Automotive), and Healthcare (E-Health) respectively.

Motivation

The project's motivation arises from the convergence of industry-specific expertise in trade (e-commerce), automotive (e-automotive), and healthcare (e-health) with key subject areas of e-business, business analytics, and process management crucial for digital transformation. Currently, there's a lack of freely accessible educational materials beyond basic texts, such as e-lectures and interactive elements like quizzes, essential for comprehensive learning. Moreover, as digital transformation entails complex processes, there's a pressing need for integrated knowledge transfer with practical applicability. Collaborating on this project allows project partners to pool their technical, content-related competencies, and industry focus, while leveraging an established e-learning production environment and extensive didactic and technical expertise. The modular structure of knowledge modules and their integration into case studies offer remarkable flexibility, promising diverse applications across various modules and study programs, thus enhancing teaching effectiveness. The bilingual approach ensures adaptability across different linguistic contexts, strengthening the project's impact.

Goals and procedure

Create integrated case studies with industry relevance, addressing fundamental aspects of digital transformation. These case studies will be designed to accommodate diverse target groups, allowing educators to configure them according to specific teaching contexts and audience needs. By linking theoretical knowledge with practical scenarios, these case studies aim to enrich the learning experience and enhance real-world applicability.

Develop e-learning knowledge modules covering the core content related to e-business, business process, and business informatics discussed in the case studies. These modules will explore the key topics, offering comprehensive insights and promoting deeper understanding among learners. By providing additional supporting insights and knowledge, these modules will complement the case studies, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Innovation and perspectives

The project's innovation lies in its holistic approach to digital learning, blending industry-specific insights with fundamental subject areas vital for digital transformation. By offering modular learning materials and case studies, the project pioneers a dynamic and adaptable educational framework, catering to evolving needs and preferences in digital education. Furthermore, the collaboration among diverse partners encourages cross-disciplinary perspectives fostering knowledge exchange, innovation and enriching the educational landscape. As digital transformation continues to shape various industries, the project not only addresses current educational gaps but also lays the groundwork for future-oriented learning paradigms. These advancements are positioned to empower both students and educators in navigating the complexities of the digital age effectively.