FirstSteps - Application convinced
As in previous years, an application to FirstSteps (formerly RPTUjunior) to hold workshops with schoolchildren was again successful. The title of the project Experience technology: Pneumatics, manufacturing processes,environmental measuring stations and AR experiments as a vacation offer already indicates a diverse range of different workshops and vacation courses. This means that in 2026 there will also be offers for pupils to promote an interest in technology.
We are delighted to have successfully acquired funding from FirstSteps to offer the already established workshops on pneumatics, manufacturing processes, environmental measuring stations and AR experiments again this year.
Premiere at the WiPSCE 2026
At this year's Conference for Primary and Secondary Computing Education (WiPSCE), our working group was represented by Marvin Ballat, who presented his master's thesis with the poster "Interactive Learning of Recursion: A Tool-Based Approach for Schools". This contribution marked a special milestone for Marvin Ballat, as it was his first active participation in a specialist conference and also his first poster presentation.
The WiPSCE was characterized by its rather small format, which ensured a concentrated and at the same time very relaxed working atmosphere. This setting was ideal for direct professional exchange with didacticians from all over the world. In addition to the exciting lectures and poster presentations, the conference offered excellent conditions for making valuable contacts in computer science didactics and actively engaging in scientific discourse.
Fobizz for advanced students - workshop at the AI study day at BBS Primasens
Artificial intelligence is changing everyday school life - and not just for pupils. In order to promote the professional use of AI technologies, the "Fobizz for advanced learners" workshop was held as part of an AI study day at a vocational school (BBS). A total of around 30 teachers took part in two rounds of the advanced workshop. The workshops "Fobizz for beginners" and "Homework and AI" were held in parallel by colleagues from the didactics of mathematics and chemistry. Simone Meinen from the ILF also offered two workshops.
In the introductory quiz "AI or real?", teachers were asked to assess whether various content such as paintings, pictures and songs were created by an AI or by humans. The realization: the correct classification is now often no better than guessing. Building on this, the teachers deepened their knowledge of the tools on the Fobizz platform and, in a final practical phase, directly tested specific application scenarios for preparing and implementing their own lessons.
KI study day at the Reichswald-Gymnasium in Ramstein
In December 2025, a study day on the topic of artificial intelligence took place at the Reichswald-Gymnasium in Ramstein. As part of the study day, Prof. Dr. Leo van Waveren gave a presentation on the topic of AI, highlighting the possibilities and limitations of the technology in the context of schools and education. This was followed by a discussion round with the teachers, in which questions, concerns and experiences regarding the use of ChatGPT and other AI applications in the classroom were addressed. In addition, practical workshops were offered for the school's teachers on topics such as "Homework of the future" and "AI assistants for the classroom". Dr. Lars Henrich (DigiTaLLZ), Jun.-Prof. Dr. Johann Seibert (Didactics of Chemistry) and Prof. Dr. Stefan Ruzika (Didactics of Mathematics) were involved in this cooperation between RPTU and the network school alongside the Didactics of Technology and the Center for Teacher Education.
Participation in the teaching-learning conference
The Academy Excellent university teaching held a teaching-learning conference on the topic of values in university teaching at RPTU in Kaiserslautern on March 12, 2026. Two projects from the FD-Tech working group were presented in the form of poster contributions at the Walk of Values. There were lively discussions about the projects during the one-hour Walk of Values and during the breaks.
- FLINK: The pronounced heterogeneity of prior knowledge poses a central didactic challenge in introductory computer science teaching. The FLINK project is investigating how AI-generated feedback can support students in programming. Annette Bieniusa and Merlin Bolender presented the poster and discussed feedback with the guests. Further information on FLINK can be found on the project page.
- LehrTransfer: Pia Schäfer and Luisa Hartnack presented that transfer is an important value in university teaching. In the poster Hochschullehre transferförderliche gestalten. An offer and usage model, the specially developed offer and usage model for transfer in university teaching and a corresponding self-study course for lecturers were presented. The self-study course can now be completed independently via OLAT. Further information will follow shortly on the project page.
MINT vacation offers
As part of a STEM vacation program, which took place in cooperation between the Wipotec Foundation and the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, various workshops were offered for students last week.
Under the motto Count, code, marvel! We program a people counter, Michael Becker held a workshop with both younger (10-13 years) and older pupils (13-16 years). The students built circuits on SenseBox microcontrollers and programmed them on a laptop using Blockly.
In addition, Pia Schäfer held a workshop for the older pupils on the topic of using air to move , in which they first tested the difference between air (pneumatic) and water (hydraulic) as a medium for energy transmission using a 3D printed lifting platform. This was followed by pneumatics learning stations, where the pupils set up and tested circuits.
The vacation program was a welcome opportunity to generate interest in STEM topics through exciting workshops.
Making feedback effective for learning - also in the classroom
On February 6, the TU-MINT network meeting took place at RPTU's campus in Kaiserslautern. In addition to welcoming a new network school, there was also a workshop for the participating teachers, in which the FD-Tech working group took part.
Pia Schäfer elaborated on the topic of "Designing feedback for effective learning" in theory and implemented it with practical application examples and opportunities for reflection for teachers from a wide variety of school types. With their wealth of experience, the teachers actively participated in the workshop.
We are delighted with the successful exchange between educational research and practice!
MINT Colloquium
The summer break is over. The colloquium of the FD-Tech working group will take place again soon and will be open to the entire STEM field. From November 26, 2024, the MINT colloquium will take place weekly (every Tuesday) from 15:30 - 17:00 in room 32-410.
You can look forward to a journal club, the presentation of current Bachelor's and Master's theses, presentations from the FD-Tech working group and an exciting professional exchange. Come and join us!
Visit to the TUMO Center Mannheim
The TUMO Center in Mannheim, which opened in April, hosted a networking meeting with representatives from the Western Palatinate STEM region. In addition to representatives at RPTU in Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences, the Ada Lovelace Project, 42 Kaiserslautern and KL.digital were also present. The didactics in technology working group was also there to get to know the concept of the TUMO Center and to visit the premises. At the same time, the opportunity was taken to network with various institutions from the STEM network in the West Palatinate region. All those involved are pursuing the goal of offering educational STEM programs for children and young people.
We are delighted about the new contact with the TUMO Center and further networking on the topic of STEM offers for children and young people.
The AI Advent Calendar 2024 - Discover the world of artificial intelligence
Want to get a playful insight into artificial intelligence? Then take part in the AI Advent calendar 2024!
24 didactically prepared tasks are waiting to take you into the fascinating world of AI. Learn something new about artificial intelligence every day! Thanks to playful challenges and individual assistance, the focus remains on fun while you sharpen your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Perfect for technology fans and curious people who want to experience the future today and win attractive prizes.
The AI Advent calendar is a collaboration between DFKI, RPTU and DigitaLLZ. Further information can be found on the AI Advent calendar page.
It's worth taking a look! Get your advent calendar and be inspired by the possibilities of artificial intelligence every day!
We were there - MI(N)Tmachwelt 2024
This year's MI(N)Tmachwelt at the Kaiserslautern Garden Show was also a complete success. As part of two workshops and a hands-on stand, the FD-Tech working group organized activities for schoolchildren on topics ranging from pneumatics and microcontrollers to Industry 4.0 systems.
- Workshop 1: A look inside the black box: pneumatic circuits - from switch to movement
- Workshop 2: Rebuilding a parking sensor
- Hands-on stand: Industry 4.0 you can touch: The interactive factory for young technology enthusiasts!
Around ten pupils took part in each of the 90-minute workshops, working on various tasks and gaining practical insights into the topics. Circuit diagrams were developed for pneumatics and then set up and tested on the learning systems. To build the parking sensors, the microcontrollers were programmed using the Blockly environment, plugged into the SenseBoxes and tested.
Visitors to the garden show were able to stop by the hands-on stand, with the station aimed at a target group of children and young people aged between 4 and 17. Both the children and young people and their parents showed great interest in the automation system and tested its functions.
We are delighted with the great interest and the lively participation in the activities.
Register now: Transfer promotion in university teaching - Learn how knowledge can be sustainably anchored!
How can university teaching be designed so that students apply what they have learned in the long term? In our interactive workshop, you will immerse yourself in the topic of transfer promotion in university teaching. Together we will examine the most important factors influencing transfer - at the level of teaching, students and the university. The focus will be on the transfer-promoting design of courses, e.g. the didactic and methodological approaches that significantly influence transfer.
The workshop is offered in cooperation with the ZHDL and ZIDiS as a blended learning format. Both joint face-to-face sessions at the Landau site and flexible self-study phases via OLAT are integrated. In order to apply the content directly and adapt it to your needs, you will work on your own courses, develop a checklist for the transfer-friendly design of your courses and receive accompanying feedback during implementation in the winter semester 24/25.
Take the opportunity to take your teaching to the next level and promote the transfer of knowledge in the long term. At the end, we will reflect together on which measures were particularly effective.
Register now and strengthen the transfer in your teaching!
Dates:
03.10.2024: Registration deadline
08.10.2024: 9:00 - 12:00, Landau, Kick-off
29.11.2024: 9:00 - 15:00, Landau
14.02.2024: 9:00 - 12:00, online
Registration under: LehrTransfer@projects.rptu.de
Summer break of the MINT didactics colloquium
The STEM Didactics Colloquium is now taking a summer break.
We are taking a well-deserved break and look forward to returning in the fall with fresh ideas and exciting lectures. The new dates will be announced in September.
Until then, the FD-Tech team wishes you a relaxing summer!
Students' Day on September 13, 2024
At this year's Pupils' Day, you can gain insights into the working group on subject didactics in technology through two workshops. On September 13, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Pupils' Day will offer numerous different workshops for schoolgirls in grades 10 to 13. The program includes workshops from the MINT subjects: Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Technology and more...
The workshops of the AG FD-Tech will cover the subjects of electrical and metal technology, giving you an insight into technical apprenticeships and degree programs.
(1) Time slot 1: Sensors and actuators in the context of Industry 4.0 (offer 22)
(2) Time slot 2: A look inside the black box - how does signal transmission through compressed air work? (Offer 20)
To participate in the Student Day, you must register via this link by 30.08.2024.
Register, we look forward to your participation!
The FD-Tech team
Reinforcement for the team wanted
In the FD-Tech working group, we are currently looking for a student assistant to work on projects:
Student assistant for student courses(link to job advertisement)
- 6-8 h/ week
- from now until Dec. 2024
- Participation in student labs on pneumatics, Industry 4.0 and microcontrollers
We are looking for Bachelor's or Master's students with technical degree programs (science or education) who enjoy working with students and pupils (middle to high school) to arouse interest in technology.
Are you interested? Then get in touch with Pia Schäfer: Pia.Schaefer(at)cs.rPTU.de
Vocational school digi teams - DIGILL@Praxis prevails
The working group Fachdidaktik in der Technik has succeeded in obtaining funding for the project DIGILL@Praxis - Digitales Lehren und Lernen in der berufsschulischen Praxis (Digital teaching and learning in vocational school practice) as part of the call for proposals for vocational school digi teams. As a result, the project was one of five funded projects in Germany. The practice is an important partner that was already involved in the application process, i.e. the application was designed in cooperation between the RPTU (Kaiserslautern site) and various vocational schools from RLP.
The aim of the Vocational School Digi-Teams funding line, which was initiated by the Stifterverband and Mercedes-Benz Fonds, is to strengthen digital skills in vocational teacher training. In the current call for proposals, the focus is on the use of artificial intelligence.
We look forward to working with the schools to further advance the transfer between theory and practice.
MI(N)Tmachwelt, Kaiserslautern Garden Show
At this year's MI(N)Tmachwelt at the Kaiserslautern Garden Show, there are also various offers from the AG Fachdidaktik in der Technik. The MI(N)Tmachwelt will take place from September 5 to 7 at the Kaiserslautern Garden Show. On September 5 and 6 (Thursday and Friday) there will be workshops for pupils from the 8th grade upwards, while on September 7 (Saturday) there will be hands-on stations for children and young people from the age of 4.
- September 5, 3rd workshop round: Looking into the black box: pneumatic circuits - from switch to movement (responsible: Andrea Faath-Becker and Pia Schäfer)
- September 6, 3rd workshop round: Rebuilding a parking sensor (responsible: Michael Becker)
- September 7, hands-on station: Industry 4.0 at your fingertips: The interactive factory for young technology enthusiasts! (Responsible: Jonas Burkhart)
Registration for the workshops is possible via the MI(N)Tmachwelt website until July 7: click here.
Further information on the workshops offered by the working group can be found under Workshop offers for external interested parties.
iMedia Ingelheim - a complete success
A special program of the MINT-ProNeD project took place at this year's iMedia. The two sub-projects of the working group were also present, both as part of the presentation "Do we need a Whole School Approach" of the entire Kaiserslautern sub-project, as well as at the hands-on stand in the market hall. While Michael Becker presented the Future Innovation Hub (Network 3), Pia Schäfer presented the training concept for entry into control technology for (M)INT teachers (Network 1).
The two hands-on stations were very well received - by pupils, STEM teachers (especially chemistry and physics) and people from the field of teacher training (e.g. from the State Pedagogical Institute and the Digital Competence Center). Through the dialog between educational practice and educational research, new impulses could thus be taken up, which will be taken into account in the further conception of the offers.
RPTUjunior - three convincing projects
With the aim of getting pupils interested in the various degree programs at RPTU, the RPTUjunior funding line was announced again for 2024. In this year's call for proposals, three projects from the didactics in technology working group were able to impress! All three projects aim to promote pupils' interest in technology, who can either take part in workshops for entire school classes or individually in vacation courses.
- Building, programming and evaluating (environmental) sensors (Responsible: Michael Becker)
- Learning and understanding Industry 4.0 applications with the Learning Factory 4.0 (responsible: Jonas Burkhart)
- Pneumatic, practical, gripping: Workshop for smart problem solvers! (Responsible: Andrea Faath-Becker and Pia Schäfer)
The workshops and vacation courses will be offered this year. Further information will follow shortly under Workshop offers for external interested parties.
Two wiss. We are looking for two research assistants to work on a university didactics project!
We are looking for two student/academic assistants to work on the project "Transfer-promoting university teaching - a cross-location blended learning program(LehrTransfer)". Assistants to work on the project. The areas of responsibility include the conceptualization and implementation of blended learning events, the creation of teaching and learning materials and the development of survey instruments. Further information on the job advertisement can be found here.
iMedia in Mainz - the AG FD-Tech presents its MINT-ProNeD projects
On May 14, the joint project MINT-ProNeD will present itself at the iMedia in Mainz-Ingelheim. The two sub-projects of the working group will also be presenting themselves. While Michael Becker will present the FutureInnovationHub (Network 3), Pia Schäfer will present the training concept for entry into control technology for (M)INT teachers (Network 1).
Registration for iMedia is still possible until May 7 via the event catalog of the Pedagogical State Institute. Further information on the program can be found here.
Visit to the 11th GEBF in Potsdam
From March 18 to 20, 2024, the 11th conference of the Society for Empirical Educational Research (GEBF) took place at the University of Potsdam. The entire FD-Tech working group took part in the conference in order to pick up impulses from educational research, exchange ideas with other researchers and strengthen existing networks. The keynote speeches, numerous symposia and presentations provided inspiration for ongoing projects. In addition, the breaks and the social evening were used to exchange ideas with colleagues, including those from other locations of the MINT-ProNeD joint project.
Pia Schäfer presented the results of the DEFINE project in a lecture. The title of the presentation is: Comparison of two types of digital feedback in a simulation
- request-based and trigger-based feedback.
The joint visit to the GEBF conference was considered to be beneficial by the working group.
RPTU InterAct - Two project applications from the working group are also convincing in this year's funding round
Two project applications were approved as part of this year's RPTU InterAct call for proposals for cross-location teaching.
- The project Transfer-promoting university teaching - a cross-location blended learning offer ( LehrTransfer for short) was submitted by M.Ed. Pia Schäfer (Kaiserslautern) and Jun.-Prof.in Susanne Wißhak (Landau). In cooperation between the Institute for Company Pedagogy/Personnel Development and the working group on subject didactics in technology, an offer for lecturers at RPTU is being created by designing transfer-promoting courses. The target group of the offer is all lecturers at RPTU.
- The project Weitergedacht - Interdisziplinärer Diskurs zum Verhältnis von Wissenschaften und KI ( Weitergedacht for short) was applied for by Prof. Dr. Leo van Waveren (Kaiserslautern) and the two Landau colleagues PD Walter Kühn and Dr. Janin Aadam. As part of the project, an interdisciplinary lecture series will be held on the topic of artificial intelligence, in which the challenges from different specialist cultures will be examined. In addition, a summer school and an anthology on the topic are planned.
DINI competition for students
Dear students,
We would like to draw your attention to the student competition "Learning with AI: Intelligent education for an intelligent future" organized by the "Deutsche Initiative für Netzwerkinformation e. V. (DINI)". Ideas can be submitted until 01.07.2024 and up to 5000€ in prize money can be won.
Further information can be found at the following address: https://dini.de/wettbewerbe/wettbewerb-20232024
Best regards
AG FD-Tech
Poster prize at the 8th technical didactics symposium
At the 8th technical didactic symposium of the Journal of Technical Education (JOTED), which took place from November 9-10, 2023 at the TU Darmstadt, Stefan Ferner won second place in the poster competition with his poster. The theme of the symposium was Personalization of Technical Learning. As part of a poster session, the three best posters were selected by a vote of all participants and awarded prizes. Stefan Ferner's poster entitled Presentation of results between the curricular requirements and the corresponding teacher training in the industrial-technical field for the conception of adaptive teacher training concepts in the MINT-ProNeD project convinced the visitors of the Technology Didactics Symposium.
We congratulate Stefan Ferner on his achievement!
Visit to the 8th technical didactics symposium
On November 9 and 10, 2023, the 8th Technology Didactics Symposium took place at TU Darmstadt. The FD-Tech working group was presented in the form of four contributions. Andrea Faath-Becker and Stefan Ferner presented their projects ProKomLAB and MINT-ProNeD as part of the poster session, while Sergey Mukhametov and Pia Schäfer each gave a presentation on their projects Holo.Lab and DEFINE.
The titles of the papers are:
- Andrea Faath-Becker (ProKomLAB): Video-based reflection on teaching quality: a digital training concept for student teachers to promote professional competence
- Stefan Ferner (MINT-ProNeD): Presentation of the results of the needs analysis between the curricular requirements and the corresponding teacher training for the design of adaptive teacher training concepts in the MINT-ProNeD project
- Sergey Mukhametov (Holo.Lab): Mixed-reality seong for the use of smartglasses in school lessons
- Pia Schäfer (DEFINE): Effective feedback for learning? Differences between query-based and trigger-based feedback in error diagnosis
During the symposium, there was a lively exchange with other scientists in the field of technology didactics. This enabled existing contacts to be expanded and new contacts to be made. At the same time, suggestions for current and planned research projects were collected.
CircuitGraph - Extension of the data set completed
After extensive preparations, Johannes Bayer has published a data set for analyzing handwritten circuit diagrams. The dataset now comprises over 2,400 images of circuit diagrams that were annotated by Johannes Bayer himself. The dataset is available under zenodo and kaggle , while the CircuitGraph software used is provided under GitLab .
Johannes Bayer's work is pioneering and makes a significant contribution to the automatic recognition of handwritten circuit diagrams.
Lehre Plus - a convincing project!
As part of the Lehre Plus call for proposals at RPTU Kaiserslautern, projects on teaching and learning in practice are being funded - this time with a focus on research orientation. Andrea Faath-Becker and Pia Schäfer impressed the jury with their project Effective learning in pneumatics - the potential of explanatory videos in fault diagnosis.
Over a period of 12 months, workshops and seminars are offered for students in the MV and EIT departments, both in engineering and teaching degree courses. These include technical didactic elements and are structured in accordance with the principle of complete action, the guiding principle of vocational education, in an action-oriented and practical way. In interdisciplinary teams, the participating students create explanatory videos on troubleshooting in pneumatic systems.
The design of the course will begin in the current winter semester, so that the first implementation of the course will take place in the summer semester 2024.
Workshops on "Electronics & AI" at the MI(N)Tmachwelt
On September 8, 2023, three groups of 10 students each took part in workshops conducted by Sergey Mukhametov and Johannes Bayer, members of the didactics in technology working group at RPTU, as part of the MI(N)Tmachwelt events on the grounds of the Kaiserslautern Garden Show. The overall MI(N)Tmachwelt programme was organized by the MINT-Region Westpfalz and the ZukunftsRegion Westpfalz e.V. and presented numerous innovative offers for pupils, presented by scientific institutions and companies in the region.
In the Electronics & AI workshop, students were able to learn the basics of data collection about the environment. This data forms the basis for many applications of automation technologies and artificial intelligence. Using the SenseBox construction kits, they were able to assemble their own sensor stations for data acquisition under the guidance of the scientific staff. They then learned how to transform these into intelligent machines that make simple decisions based on the data. Finally, the participants were able to learn how such data forms the basis for AI algorithms.
During these one-and-a-half-hour workshops, the students had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the basics of designing simple electronic devices, programming, environmental data collection with sensors and the basics of creating decision algorithms in the context of concepts such as the smart city. Their positive feedback gives us hope that they will continue to show an interest in the topics.
Visit by the Minister of Science to the teaching and learning laboratories (LLL@U.EDU)
The Minister of Science and Health, Clemens Hoch, visited the Teaching and Learning Labs (LLL@U.EDU) at RPTU in Kaiserslautern today, which is located on the premises of DFKI. There, various working groups from the STEM subjects presented the results of their digitalization projects in the field of teacher training. The FD-Tech working group was represented by staff members Sergey Mukhametov, Pia Schäfer and Michael Becker, as well as Professor Leo van Waveren.
After a welcome by the Co-President for the Kaiserslautern site, Arnd Poetzsch-Heffter, and introductory words on Digitalization by the U.EDU project manager Norbert Wehn, various working groups from teacher training presented the exhibits from the teaching-learning laboratories. For FD-Tech, Sergey Mukhametov presented the U.EDU project Au.Ge , which uses augmented reality to represent the model of an eye and is used for the BBS subject of health. Pia Schäfer then presented the possibility of exploratory learning on a pneumatics system, which can be used to introduce the subject of control technology and is part of the FuLL laboratory. Michael Becker then showed how a 3D scanner can be used to digitize real objects, such as elements of the pneumatic system, in order to create virtual representations. In addition, he showed how student teachers can be enabled to use additive manufacturing processes (3D printing) and the professionally relevant use of drones, enabling technologically enriched and supported teaching(FuLLL). Prof. Leo van Waveren then presented the new MINT-ProNeD research project, in which the ideas of the Future Teaching-Learning Lab will be continued as part of a Future Innovation Hub and transferred to the third phase of teacher training via teacher training courses. In addition to the contributions of the working groups to the digital teaching-learning labs, DFKI presented its research work on AI in the educational context.
For around two hours, comprehensive and multi-layered insights into innovative digitization projects were presented, which are incorporated into teacher training at the Kaiserslautern location.
Reinforcement of the team
Since mid-October, M .Ed. Jonas Burkhart has joined the working group for subject didactics in technology and will initially be part of the team until the end of the year. His main focus is on performance diagnostics and the development of teaching-learning situations in electrical engineering with the integration of new technologies.
Jonas Burkhart complements the team with his Master of Education in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics from a subject-specific perspective. This strengthens the interdisciplinary character of the working group on didactics in technology, which employs staff from the fields of computer science, electrical engineering, metal technology and social sciences.
We look forward to working with Jonas Burkhart.
Pupils visit the Future Teaching-Learning Lab at FD-Tech
On 19.07.2023, around 40 pupils from Rittersberg-Gymnasium Kaiserslautern accompanied by two teachers visited the Future Teaching-Learning Lab of AG FD-Tech and iQL (DFKI). The visit took place as part of a project week on the industrial revolution and was introduced with a lecture by Prof. Dr. Leo van Waveren on the topic of artificial intelligence. Afterwards, the students in grades 7 to 12 had the opportunity to take part in workshops at six different stations on the following topics:
- Drone flight
- Machine learning
- Industry 4.0
- eye tracking
- Micro-controller
- Pneumatics
At the end of the visit, the students summed up that they were able to learn about new and exciting technologies from the (MIN)T sector in a pleasant atmosphere. The fact that the topics were presented in a way that was suitable for pupils and that active participation was both possible and desired was perceived as particularly positive.
FD-Tech on the SWR3 podcast about ChatGPT
On 08.05.2023, SWR3 broadcast a podcast on the topic of teacher training with the title What do teachers learn?. Prof. Leo van Waveren was interviewed about the possible uses of ChatGPT.
Lecture on ChatGPT at Heinrich-Heine-Gymnasium Kaiserslautern
Prof. Leo van Waveren spoke with students at the gifted branch of the Heinrich-Heine-Gymnasium, Kaiserslautern. The network school had invited to a lecture followed by a Q&A session to introduce the students to the potentials of ChatGPT and its limitations. You can read the press release from Heinrich-Heine-Gymnasium here.
Funding approved: RPTUjunior projects for young STEM talents
As part of the RPTUjunior call for applications, FD-Tech is creating two vacation offers over the summer:
- Research-based learning in data-driven environmental projects
For children aged 10-16, Sergey Mukhametov will provide a first introduction to programming and basic data acquisition and processing. As part of a course lasting several days during the vacations, the knowledge acquired will be put into practice to realize a small research project of their own using self-recorded environmental data. Through the concrete application of self-assembled sensor arrays (based on the senseBox environmental measuring stations) and the associated evaluation in their own programs (especially programming in the Blockly environment), it is possible to deal with the role of computer science, algorithms, modeling and programming and research-based learning including own data collection directly in urban and near-natural space.
- Image recognition using machine learning in electrotechnical systems
Johannes Bayer's vacation course offers the opportunity to gain an introduction to the world of artificial intelligence using electrical engineering circuit diagrams and is aimed at young people aged 15-18. The main aim of the course is to teach practical work with neural networks for application to an exemplary field of application. First of all, familiar electrical engineering basics are repeated using circuit diagrams and learning gaps are closed. Building on this, concrete circuits are planned on paper and realized using kits. Neural networks are then trained together with the participants on the graphical representations of the circuits and the images of the built circuits in order to convey the concepts and functions of artificial intelligence.
ChatGPT fireside chat with network schools
The task force on future technologies in the teaching profession invited the network schools to a digital fireside chat to discuss the functions and limitations of ChatGPT from the perspective of school practice and to discuss scenarios for using it in the classroom to promote learning. Together with Prof. Christoph Thyssen (Biology Didactics), Prof. Stefan Ruzika (Mathematics Didactics) and with the participation of JProf. Sophie Fellenz (Machine Learning), Prof. Leo van Waveren discussed ChatGPT in everyday school life with around 30 teachers.
Visit to the Ministry of Education
Together with Prof. Katharina Zweig, Prof. Leo van Waveren visited the Ministry of Education in Mainz. The limits and possibilities of text-producing AI systems, such as ChatGPT, were discussed with Education Minister Hubig and representatives of the departments.
MINT-ProNeD project launch
The joint project "Professional networks for the promotion of adaptive, process-related, digital-supported innovations in STEM teacher training (MINT-ProNeD)" was launched at the beginning of the month as part of the digital competence center funded by the BMBF. Together with the Pedagogy Focus School Development working group, Biology Didactics and DFKI, the FD-Tech working group for RPTU is part of the cross-state project to develop research-based further training, future-oriented technologies and innovative concepts for STEM teaching in the "Further Training" and "Future Innovation Hub" networks.
RPTU InterAct - Three projects were convincing
As part of the InterAct for RPTU call for proposals, innovative projects on cross-location teaching and learning formats were sought. Three projects were selected for funding which, together with researchers from the Landau campus, will focus on a broad spectrum over the next two years:
While Ms. Schäfer and Ms. Feifel's project deals with effective learning feedback modalities during experimentation, QuantumSkills aims to teach quantum technology content, whereas the ViRaL project encompasses the special learning opportunities offered by extracurricular learning locations.
- Feedback in scientific and technical experiments. Similarities - Differences - Synergies.
Responsible: M.Ed. Pia Schäfer (AG FD-Tech, KL) and Dipl.-Ing. Silke Feifel (AG Physikdidaktik und Techniklehre, LD) - Quantum Skills@RPTU: Cooperation with the Individual Quantum Systems working group.
Responsible: Prof. Dr. Leo van Waveren (AG FD-Tech, KL), Prof. Dr. Artur Widera (AG Individual Quantum Systems, KL) and Prof. Dr. Alexander Kauertz (AG Physikdidaktik und Techniklehre, LD) - ViRaL: Cooperation with the extracurricular learning locations of BioVT (KL), Freilandmobil (LD), Mathe ist mehr (LD), Nature Lab (LD), Nawi-Werkstatt (LD), PriMa Lernwerkstatt (LD), SciTec (LD), World2Go (KL) and Zooschule (LD)
The projects start in the summer semester 2023 and run for 24 months. The implementation of the first teaching and learning formats is planned for the winter semester 2023/24.
Feedback in scientific and technical experiments
M. Ed. Pia Schäfer (AG Fachdidaktik der Technik, KL) and Dipl.-Ing. Silke Feifel (AG Physikdidaktik und Techniklehre, LD) are developing a workshop offer in a cross-location project to sensitize students to the importance of feedback in the learning process. Technical and scientific experiments will be used as teaching methods to develop, implement and reflect on feedback. The project is funded as part of the university's internal funding program for cross-location teaching.
In the workshops, after a theoretical introduction, similarities and differences in feedback to learning groups of prospective teachers from different school types (primary, lower secondary and upper secondary/BBS) are discussed and reflected upon. The students work together to design feedback materials, which they test with groups of pupils during technical and scientific experiments.
The first voluntary course will take place in the winter semester 2023/24.
New room for the Future Teaching-Learning Lab at DFKI
The DigiLL sub-project of the Future Teaching-Learning Lab is moving into new premises at DFKI and will thus also be able to provide a physical space for the exchange and testing of new technologies for teaching-learning scenarios in the future.
Prof. Leo van Waveren among the RPTU representatives in the Stifterverband's Curriculum Labs
The Stifterverband and the Heinz Nixdorf Foundation were looking for experts to develop approaches to skills development for teachers of physics, mathematics and computer science in order to develop concepts for anchoring quantum technology in teacher training. Prof. Leo van Waveren is one of the four representatives at RPTU.
Prof. Leo van Waveren becomes a member of the expert commission for the preparation of an international assessment in vocational education and training
Together with representatives of TU Dresden and BIBB, Prof. Leo van Waveren is part of the German participation in the OECD expert commission in the subgroup "electricians". They are developing the basis for an international assessment of professional competence in a large-scale assessment.