Did a course this year particularly inspire you because it perfectly combined the advantages of synchronous and asynchronous teaching? Then now is the time to recognize this commitment!
This year, we at Geisenheim University are awarding a special award for teaching that focuses specifically on innovative blended learning concepts. We are looking for courses that have been particularly successful in combining asynchronous and synchronous elements in a meaningful and motivating way in the 2025/26 winter semester or 2026 summer semester.
An award-worthy concept is characterized by the intelligent combination of face-to-face teaching or synchronous teaching and asynchronous elements.
Synchronous vs. asynchronous: What is the difference?
| What does it mean? | examples | |
|---|---|---|
| Synchronous teaching | At the same time: All participants learn together at the same time. Whether in person or online. | Face-to-face lectures in the lecture hall, live webinars via BBB, joint seminar discussions. |
| asynchronous teaching | Non-real time: You decide when and where you want to work on the content. | Educational videos, reading assignment, self organized group work, self tests in ILIAS |
Important aspects
Meaningful integration:
Are online phases (e.g., learning videos, reading) actively used to free up time in the lecture hall for discussions, questions, or group work?
Interactivity:
Are there digital tools that promote learning? (e.g., self-tests, quizzes in ILIAS, feedback tools, self organized group works or collaborative whiteboards).
Structure & orientation:
Is the course clearly structured? Are materials and assignments clearly structured and accessible at all times?
Flexibility & support:
Do the digital formats support learning at one's own pace while ensuring good support from teachers?
Eligible to nominate:
Students at Geisenheim University
Period:
Events from the 2025/26 winter semester and the 2026 summer semester are eligible for nomination.
Nomination deadline:
Winter semester 25/26: until April 4th, 2026
Summer semester 26: second nomination phase
Questions?
Please feel free to contact the team at the Department of University Didactics and eLearning at any time.
