On May 21, 2021, we held the highly anticipated kickoff meeting for our exciting LernMINT project. Despite the virtual format, the participants were enthusiastic and engaged. Here is a recap of the key events of the day.
Informal Welcome and Official Opening
The meeting began at 1:00 PM with an informal welcome, allowing participants to settle into the virtual environment. Shortly after, Prof. Dr. Friege and Prof. Dr. Ewerth officially opened the session and greeted everyone. Their opening remarks set the tone for a productive and inspiring kickoff meeting.
Welcoming Addresses from the Vice Presidents
A highlight of the early afternoon was the welcoming addresses from the Vice Presidents for Research of various universities. Prof. Dr. Bikker from Ostfalia University, Prof. Dr. Grotjahn from Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Prof. Dr. Blume from Leibniz University Hannover emphasized the importance of the LernMINT project and underscored the strong inter-institutional collaboration. Their motivating speeches demonstrated the support and confidence in the project.
Inspiring Guest Lectures
The first guest lecture by Prof. Dr. Knut Neumann (IPN – Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Kiel) addressed the “Potentials and Challenges of Using Data Science Methods for Learning Analysis.” His talk provided fascinating insights into the intersection of machine learning and education.
Following this, Prof. Dr. Claudia Hauff from TU Delft discussed “On the Support of Human Learning during Search and Sensemaking Activities.” Her presentation highlighted innovative approaches to enhancing learning and emphasized the role of technology in education.
Introduction to the LernMINT Doctoral Program
After the inspiring lectures, Prof. Dr. Friege and Prof. Dr. Ewerth gave a comprehensive introduction to the LernMINT doctoral program. They outlined the structure of the overall project and presented its various components and objectives. This introduction provided participants with a clear overview and strengthened the shared understanding of the project goals.
Presentation of the Doctoral Candidates
In the afternoon, the doctoral candidates briefly introduced themselves and presented their research topics. This session was informative and helped create personal connections among the participants and facilitated initial networking opportunities.
Closing Remarks and Outlook
At 3:00 PM, Prof. Dr. Friege and Prof. Dr. Ewerth concluded the kickoff meeting with an optimistic outlook on the next steps. They thanked all participants for their engagement and contributions and emphasized the importance of collaboration and continuous exchange for the project’s success.
The kickoff meeting was a great success and laid the foundation for an exciting and fruitful project. The enthusiasm and commitment of all participants were clearly evident, promising a productive collaboration in the years to come. We look forward to the next steps and are excited about the developments and outcomes of the LernMINT doctoral program.
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