Although WHU had previously only used this instrument individually and specifically to enrich classroom teaching, teaching could be adapted ad hoc and largely smoothly with the beginning of the corona crisis. WHU had proactively decided to keep the Vallendar and Düsseldorf campuses closed to students until the end of the term on April 30 to minimize the risk of infection with the COVID-19 virus and thus make a positive contribution to slowing its spread.
The pioneering work of the Center of Digitalization (CoD) established at WHU in recent years has now paid off: Thanks to the cooperation of the CoD, the IT department, the video team, and the various programs, students can now be provided with learning content during the corona closures. "In order to translate the classroom lectures into digital formats, the professors have a portfolio of different solutions and tools at their disposal: From recordings in the lecture hall or at home to webcasts and interactive online lectures, which reflect the highly interactive and personal teaching typical for WHU," explains Eva Kohl, Director Digital Strategy. For example, students can watch recorded teaching content at home according to their schedule or interact live with other students and professors in lectures and group work via video conferencing.
The digitalized teaching offer is primarily intended to ensure that students do not suffer any disadvantages nor lose time. Nobody knows how long this exceptional situation will continue. After a short training period, teachers can now organize and carry out their courses with the appropriate solutions from home. A concept that is also very well received by the students. "I am enthusiastic about my current learning success. By being able to watch the videos at my capacity, I was able to gain a much deeper understanding", says a student of the Bachelor's program. Flat hierarchies and entrepreneurial thinking at WHU have ensured that classroom courses or lectures could be moved into virtual space without delay.