09 April 2024 | Münster

The German eWBL Capacity Building Program was successfully delivered in a hybrid format in Münster, Germany from March 19th to April 9th.

The primary objective of the training was to empower administrative and academic staff from higher education institutions to effectively support students who may opt for online or hybrid internships, particularly where physical work environments are inaccessible due to health or technological limitations.

This training program was meticulously crafted based on an extensive needs analysis survey conducted at the outset of the eWBL project across five countries: Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Italy.

The training sessions were skilfully moderated by our master trainer, Annika Feldhof from FH Münster University of Applied Sciences International Office. Participants included administrative and academic staff who engage with interns in various capacities at the university.

Structured into four sessions, the program commenced with a face-to-face event on March 19th. During the morning session, participants were introduced to the objectives and activities of the eWBL project, as well as the eWBL Framework and Toolkit, which laid the groundwork for subsequent training sessions and activities. In the afternoon, participants delved into the initial two phases of implementing an eWBL Program - design and preparation - alongside the supporting tools featured in the eWBL Toolkit.

Designed to be interactive and engaging, the session incorporated icebreakers, games, and quizzes to invigorate participants. Additionally, hands-on tools from the eWBL Toolkit were employed, allowing participants to engage, reflect, and experiment. 

Following the face-to-face event, three consecutive online sessions were conducted. These sessions addressed the remaining phases of eWBL, encompassing onboarding, delivery, assessment, and quality assurance. The online format facilitated seamless interaction and knowledge dissemination, ensuring that participants gained comprehensive insights into implementing effective eWBL programs.

What's more, Dr. Philipp Kather, from Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt was invited as our esteemed guest speaker to share his invaluable experience about digital learning platforms during our online session.

The successful completion of the German eWBL Capacity Building Program marks a significant milestone in enhancing the capabilities of higher education professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of virtual internships and foster inclusive learning environments.