Future-oriented learning rooms: Clausthal University of Technology is modernizing its seminar rooms!

Future-oriented learning rooms: Clausthal University of Technology is modernizing its seminar rooms!

On June 13th, 2025, an important step in the university landscape will be celebrated: The Clausthal University of Technology is opening modernized learning rooms in the formerly historic Robert-Koch-Gymnasium. This comprehensive renovation is a milestone in the development of learning environments that meet the needs of students and faculty.

The aim of the modernization is to create innovative learning environments with extensive technical equipment. The new seminar rooms are equipped with user-friendly double projections and brighter projectors. Particularly noteworthy is a seminar room that was specially set up for hybrid courses. A movable camera, a permanently installed microphone and a large monitor for video conferences are available here. Large blackboards continue to play a central role, which is supported by scientific studies on the effectiveness of learning.

Context of hybrid learning spaces

The requirements for learning spaces are changing due to the influence of digital media and new teaching and learning formats. Loud DUZ Digital alternatives often lead to a lower awareness of face-to-face offerings, which can affect the exchange between students and teachers. However, the campus should function as a place for encounters and particularly valuable forms of learning that go beyond isolated activities.

The renovation at Clausthal University of Technology is being reinforced by the discussion about hybrid learning environments in the university context. Innovative approaches, such as flipped classroom concepts, rely on multimedia formats, with lectures often being offered as video content. However, this also requires suitable spatial conditions to promote personal exchange on site. The pandemic has reinforced this trend and is forcing universities to think more broadly about hybrid teaching concepts. The current developments are part of a project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Support for students

In addition to the modernized learning environment, the learning center at Clausthal University of Technology is also mentioned, which specifically offers support in basic mathematical lectures. Prof. Olaf Ippisch, Director of the Institute of Mathematics, expressed his gratitude for the renovation work, while Prof. Michael Müller-Bahns, Vice President of the University, emphasized the importance of dialogue in mathematics. The Mathematics Institute acts as the university's largest teaching and learning location and is important for various disciplines.

The opening was rounded off with musical accompaniment to the ceremony, including by professors from the institute and the swingING TUC Jazz Combo.

Designing sustainable learning spaces

Another aspect of the development of learning spaces is the participatory design process, which also involves students. Like that University Forum for Digitalization emphasizes, it is important to integrate learners as co-creators in order to develop competency-oriented, media-supported teaching-learning scenarios. The interdisciplinary ad hoc working group on learning architectures is actively committed to sustainable learning space design and develops recommendations for universities.

Overall, the renovation at Clausthal University of Technology shows how important it is to promote not only the technology, but also the spaces around discourse and personal exchange. With this approach, the campus becomes a place that meets the different learning requirements and enables cultural and didactic networking.