Rethinking Learning: The Digital Learning Space of the Institute of Physics

The new space is part of a comprehensive transformation process at the Institute of Physics: traditional lectures are to be complemented by activating formats that allow students greater independence and interaction. The Digital Learning Space forms the core of this approach.

Equipped with digitalised group workstations, large-format touch displays, and the ability to seamlessly integrate personal devices, the room invites students to work together on tasks, share content, or visualise and discuss solutions directly. The digital equipment is intentionally complemented by analogue elements such as whiteboards and pinboards, enabling creative thought processes beyond the screen.

This flexible combination of analogue and digital tools opens up a broad range of possible applications: from self-organised practice sessions and interactive learning circles to complex projects that can be carried out using web-based applications such as Teams, Overleaf or JupyterHub. Teaching and learning should align with the chosen media, ensuring that digital technologies support and facilitate the learning process without dominating or overcomplicating it.

“The Digital Learning Space is an important step towards modern, forward-looking teaching in our faculty. It provides room for experimentation, exchange and innovation, creating exactly the learning conditions our students need to develop future skills,” says Prof. Dr. Axel Enders, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science.

Prof. Dr. Markus Lippitz, Director of Studies for the faculty, also emphasises the added value for students: “The space opens up new opportunities. Group work can now be carried out seamlessly in a digital environment, and projects using web-based applications can be implemented directly in practice. I am eager to see what creative applications our students will develop.”

The implementation was supported by funding from student grants and the International Research Training Group Optexc.