For five and a half years he served as vice dean and representative for teaching in the department electrical engineering and computer science in the field of teaching, drove the digitization of teaching and teaching administration with colleagues. The electrical engineer, who has a doctorate, has now been unanimously elected Vice President for Studies and Digitization. With the professor for measurement technology, the university firmly anchors the topic of digitization in the executive committee for the first time.
Years ago it was still a dream of the future, today it is everyday life
Even before the Corona period, Prof. Dr. Jochen Abke worked together with what is now the Center for Digital Teaching at the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences to advance the support of teachers in the field of digital teaching. “Back then we had no idea that it was going to be so important for the entire university,” remembers Jochen Abke. Online teaching and hybrid events have become a useful addition to the range of courses in the face-to-face courses at TH Lübeck and have become indispensable.
In the 2020 summer semester, the changeover was completed quickly: within a very short time, the lecturers were able to switch up to 80% of the formats to online operation. In the future, online teaching will continue to be part of learning at TH Lübeck. “We cannot remain in reaction mode now. Digitization continues and will continue to accompany us in teaching. We should continue to develop and act on our existing teaching concepts,” says Jochen Abke.
The university as a meeting place
“Do you know why so many students like to attend lectures at the university? Among other things, because they can spend the time exchanging ideas with their fellow students before and after the lectures,” reports Jochen Abke from many conversations with students. “The university must continue to be a place for exchange and encounters.” Abke also sees his task in inspiring students to learn more actively. And if someone has good ideas: “Then we look for ways to implement the ideas instead of slowing them down.”
The President Dr. Muriel Helbig is looking forward to working with Prof. Abke from the coming summer semester: “Jochen Abke has many years of experience as Vice Dean of Teaching in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He would like to advance the university with his ideas and I appreciate the trusting cooperation with him.”