In the summer semester of 2014, students in the Master’s program in Applied Computer Science at htw had their first opportunity to turn their course project into an intercultural experience. 

For a real-world development project, they formed a “globally dispersed team” (GDT) with a group of students from the Bachelor’s program in Mechatronics at the Sino-German University of Applied Sciences (CDHAW) in Shanghai.Together, the Chinese and German students tackled a highly topical and practical issue—especially relevant to the reality of Chinese cities: they developed a smog sensor. During weekly virtual meetings via Skype, they applied project management skills they had learned, assigned tasks, discussed progress, and repeatedly overcame both linguistic and technical hurdles.

This teaching format is now established at htw saar as a required elective in the bachelor’s degree programs in Communication Informatics, Applied Informatics, and Mechatronics/Sensor Technology. In addition to technical content in the areas of microprocessors, networking, and sensor technology, as well as project management, this new format also focuses on teaching the intercultural skills necessary in such a context. 

We look forward to hearing from interested students!