Ready for a Colorful World

Micro-interventions represent a holistic training approach that is embedded in a short, digital format. There are already collections of freely available exercise descriptions for the promotion of intercultural competence, but these are primarily exercises that can be conducted in the context of face-to-face events. Available digital formats so far mostly refer to a pure knowledge transfer (e.g. Educasts, learning videos). The micro-interventions deliberately go beyond this. In addition to knowledge transfer, they also address affective and behavioral learning goals in a digital context. Based on the PITT model, they consist of four phases: Problematization, Information, Training, and Transfer. Therefore, the micro-interventions go beyond previously available individual exercises by combining a variety of different methods (e.g., case studies, case examples, reflection exercises, simulations, videos, texts) in a didactically meaningful way. Thus, the project has a high innovative character, as the digital micro-interventions create an immersive intercultural learning experience by simulating interactions with other cultures in a digital context in a short and effective way. The special feature lies in the transfer of a short training sequence into the digital space, which promotes intercultural and diversity competencies in an experiential way by combining cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects. The design of the digital micro-interventions makes them versatile and flexible in OER-based teaching and other application areas, as well as more independent of time and place.

The resources developed in the project will be used in a variety of ways at UOS and HOS and beyond. The micro-interventions are initially used by teachers in subjects directly related to intercultural competencies or diversity. Furthermore, especially for two-subject bachelors, these key qualifications are often part of the study program. In addition to direct teaching, the developed micro-interventions can also be used for interdisciplinary programs of universities to promote key competencies and to qualify students for career entry. The micro-interventions also have a wide reach in society.

For example, the overarching continuing education program to become an intercultural trainer is offered at the UOS, and the certificate program Diversity and Diversity Management is offered at the HOS. Here, digital micro-interventions can make an in-depth and complementary contribution to existing formats. The Global Competence Center of the HOS, which offers support opportunities for diversity competencies, will also integrate the micro-interventions into its offerings. Furthermore, the micro-interventions will be offered to the Hochschulverband für interkulturelle Studien e. V. for the Intercultural Campus. Ultimately, other universities, teachers, further education institutes, private individuals, associations, social service providers etc. will also be able to benefit from the micro-interventions through the OER platform.