Best Performing University in Germany 2021

SEPTEMBER | ISSUE-01

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Best Performing

UNIVERSITY in GERMANY

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High Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE PARADISE OF QUALITY EDUCATION

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nown for world-class education by highly qualified staff and several academic courses for students to choose from, Germany is the place to be now. The icing on the cake is that there are endless employment opportunities globally after completing education in Germany.

While many educational institutions advocate education for all, few travel that extra mile to deliver what they preach. One such institution is IU International University of Applied Sciences.

From an on-campus University with five courses to a global name with more than 200 courses, IU International University of Applied Sciences has achieved admirable milestones in just over two decades.

Firm believers in education for all, the University has manifested its vision in a brief period. It provides

education to students anytime, anywhere with multiple study options – online, offline, and hybrid.

If you want to experience the unique culture of Germany besides getting a quality education, you can choose to study on campus.

In recent times, IU International University has been attracting many students from abroad. Higher education in Germany is world-class, and those seeking a degree from IU International University have a high employability rate.

Germany has an ancient and rich history that is an amalgamation of the modern and the classics. The liveliness of the country, the urban lifestyle and the countryside will catch your fancy. No wonder then that the country is one of the world’s top destinations for international students. IU International University is among the most sought-after education destinations for students across the globe.

Like many other universities in Germany, IU International University charges low tuition fees or no

tuition fees. This is the biggest advantage of studying in a country that values higher education while realising that it may not be affordable for all. Germany is the only country whose public universities charge no tuition fees from international students and impart quality education as well.

In this edition of The Knowledge Review, Best Performing University in Germany, we have featured IU International University of Applied Sciences that has chalked out a different path altogether in the education domain. We are sure you will agree with us as you turn the pages of this edition to read about the extraordinary journey of this University in a short period.

Happy reading T R

Sumita Sarkar sumita@theknowledgereview.com

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08 High Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere

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Perks of German Education

German Education: Benefits/Rewards of Studying in Germany

Make Learning Fun! 5 Proven Ways to Create Engaging Online Courses

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Article

September, 2021

Editor-in-Chief Senior Editor Managing Editor Assisting Editor Contributing Writer

Sumita Sarkar Anish Miller Aditya Umale Abhishaj Sajeev Ananda Kamal Das

Quality Control Darshan Parmar

Visualiser David King Art & Design Head Priyanka Rajage Art & Design Assistant Rahul Shinde Co-designer Paul, Vishal Business Development Manager Phill Miller Marketing Manager Sandra Rich Business Development Executive Olivia Wood, Amy Wilson Technical Head Jacob Smile Assistant Technical Head Prachi Mokashi Technical Consultants

Amar, David, Robert

Digital Marketing Manager

Alina Sege

Digital Marketing Manager

Amol Wadekar

SME-SMO Executives

Atul, Gemson

Research Analyst Eric Smith Circulation Manager Tanaji

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High Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere

Best Performing

UNIVERSITY in GERMANY

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ermany is often regarded as one of the top study destinations in the world and considered as one of the top providers of education. A leader in innovation, business and engineering, the career prospectus with a German degree is diverse and far reaching.

the university prepares over 70,000 students in various study models for a successful career start.

Erfurt is a city in the central German state of Thuringia.

At the heart of this city, lies the headquarters of one of the top universities of Germany which provides online and on-campus degrees and certifications for a multitude of fields, and has rightfully earned the position of being one of the global top leading providers for higher education. It is the IU International University of Applied Sciences.

IU International University of Applied Sciences offers more than 200 Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA programs across the various models (distance, dual, on campus, continuing education, corporate training, and more).

There are 28 campus and dual studies locations in Germany and Austria. Distance learning students can take exams online from any place in the world or alternatively at one of over 130 Goethe Institute locations globally.

IU International University of Applied Sciences was established in 2000 as a full-time, on-campus university with five programs taught exclusively in English. Today,

IU International University of Applied Sciences has been around for more than 20 years. It is now the largest private university in Germany.

These various Bachelor’s, Master’s and MBA programs are state accredited and recognised all across the globe.

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IU International University Of Applied Sciences Prides Itself On Offering Affordable Quality Education Tailored To Its Students’ Individual Needs.

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Vision: Everybody can access education to grow. IU International University of Applied Sciences provides equal education opportunities for people around the globe, in all kinds of situations, in all stages of life, with and without previous academic credentials: full or part-time, single parents, unemployed, disabled, seniors, competitive athletes, etc.

IU International University of Applied Sciences prides itself on offering affordable quality education tailored to its students’ individual needs.

Mission: Empower people to succeed in a digital world with the most customer centric education approach.

Innovative Pedagogy IU International University of Applied Sciences’ distance study, full or part time study programs offer individual solutions and full flexibility while always maintaining a close network of support. Innovative study and media tools help students to reach their goals. Benefits include: Ÿ Blended learning: an efficient mix of online learning tools and in-person interaction/attendance Ÿ Large team of study coaches and tutors for targeted, effective study Ÿ ‘myCampus’ innovative study app and platform with the largest online library (including unlimited access to over 14,000 courses and 1,800 video tutorials) Ÿ Interactive learning sprints to achieve study objectives faster Ÿ Taking exams at any time online – or in the traditional way at one of over 40 exam centres in Germany, or at one of over 130 Goethe Institutes worldwide Ÿ Comprehensive scholarship programme: e. g.

Women in Tech scholarships or scholarships for

students from developing countries International study tours at renowned universities across the globe – including virtual tours Ÿ Extensive network of partners: 6,000 companies in commerce, tourism, health, industry and institutions Ÿ Free career coaching – with experienced trainers for personal development Apart from this, the university provides individual study counselling and career coaching sessions. The live chat in WhatsApp is only one of the many ways the students can reach their study coaches. Ÿ

At IU International University of Applied Sciences, they have podcasts, videos, study guides and lectures both online and in-person. The professors are present for you all throughout their programs/courses, even if you live at the other side of the world.

At IU International University of Applied Sciences, they place a lot of importance on particular skills. Which is why all of their professors have at least 5 years of industry experience.

MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY AND SELF-DETERMINATION

Preparing Students for the Future When asked about how IU International University of Applied Sciences prepares its students for their future participation in the world, the Alumni Manager of IU International University of Applied Sciences, Bianca Sammer, replied: “In cooperation with Jobteaser, IU International University of Applied Sciences has founded a job portal supporting students and graduates regarding the job search and the entry into the workforce. Students and alumni can find suitable job and internship-offers according to their individual search criteria such as industry, work experience, mode of employment or occupational field. They can also upload their CV and make direct contact with recruiters. Additionally, students can make use of one-on-one coaching and counselling sessions concerning study and career questions within the IU International University of Applied Sciences Study Coaching framework.”

Many of IU International University of Applied Sciences’ alumni are placed around the world in top companies like Accenture, Lufthansa, Facebook and McKinsey.

The University of Applied Sciences offers a variety of programs, namely - distance learning, part-time studies, work-study programmes, virtual campus or on-campus studies, even a combination of online and in-classroom lectures is offered. The University of Applied Sciences supports its students individually, personally and exactly when it is needed. With innovative studying apps, interactive learning sprints, exams on demand and a flexible study start, IU International University of Applied Sciences makes education accessible for all and facilitates studying in a self-determined and flexible way that is unique in the education landscape.

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We Strive To Offer Our Students As Much Flexibility As Possible In Order To Suit Their Needs – They Can Study Any Time, Any Place And Wherever They Are At In Life.

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Prof. Dr. Holger Sommerfeldt, Rector at IU International University of Applied Sciences, said: “We help our students achieve their educational goals: whether they are based in a remote location or a large city; whether they have a job or a family to take care of; whether they have disabilities or not, and even if they are always on the road like a professional athlete. We strive to offer our students as much flexibility as possible in order to suit their needs – they can study any time, any place and wherever they are at in life.”

Most Notable Awards

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QS (Quacquarelli Symonds University Rankings) 5 Star rating with 99/100 point as first and only University in Germany

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Top Distance University Award 2021 – FernstudiumCheck.de

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Excellent Provider 2021 (4,6/5) – 2nd place Fernstudium Direkt

Aspiring to New Standards of Education At IU International University of Applied Sciences, the distance programs are delivered 100% online. In addition, study models with in-classroom lectures can be moved to its virtual campus within a few hours. This has worked really well for the staff and the students throughout the Covid-lockdown periods.

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Our Goal Is To Become Europe’s Biggest And Most Customer Centric Education Provider.

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remarked Dr. Sven Schütt, CEO IU International University of Applied Sciences

Alumni Testimonials “The great flexibility of the program at IU International University of Applied Sciences is super helpful as is the very well-produced study material, with which one can independently learn and understand the subject matter – and of course the fast response times from administration and lecturers, if there is a question after all. All that gives you the best conditions to successfully complete your studies – even with a job and kids.”

- Daniela, Personnel Management at BMW – Alumna Bachelor Commercial Law

“As a mother of two, it was very important to me to stay in my old job and enjoy financial stability while being able to further qualify for my dream career. The IU International University of Applied Sciences distance studies made that possible. In addition, the flexible study model at IU International University of Applied Sciences helped me to manage everything – I could write assignments and take exams when everyone at home was asleep. I have learned to work on my own responsibility and to manage my resources. That is the reason I would recommend studying at IU International University of Applied Sciences: Hardly any other university offers this kind of flexibility.”

- Abena, Social Worker - Alumna Bachelor Social Work

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IU International University Of Applied Sciences Provides Equal Education Opportunities For People Around The Globe, In All Kinds Of Situations, In All Stages Of Life, With And Without Previous Academic Credentials.

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IU International University of Applied Sciences is recognized as Best Performing

UNIVERSITY in GERMANY

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by The Knowledge Review for offering equal educational opportunities to everyone around the globe while allowing them to thrive in their careers

Sumita Sarkar Editor-in-Chief

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ProvenWays to Create Engaging

Online

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eeping learners engaged throughout your online courses can be pretty challenging. Some may have difficulty concentrating, some may be terrible at time management, while others may be too laid-back because no one’s looking over their shoulder. In any case, all they need is a bit of motivation.

Otherwise, they might fall behind, lose confidence, and drop out of your course.

So, go ahead and utilize a reliable online course maker, follow proven instructional strategies, and apply the following tips for creating engaging online courses:

Courses

explain most of your points, while some might require even less time.

When it comes to more complex concepts, break them up into bite-sized chunks, so your learners can absorb all the information effectively.

2. Use Multimedia to Accommodate Different Learning Styles Some people are visual learners, while others prefer auditory learning. Some learners prefer reading texts and might even absorb them better by writing down the most crucial lesson highlights.

That means you need to create online course materials that your learners can read, listen to, and watch. If your online courses are entirely video based, you may lose some learners along the way.

1. Keep the Learning Modules Short and Sweet You may have noticed that most learners (both students and employees) have a short attention span.

Bombarding them with too much information over a one-hour session, for instance, may not lead to high knowledge retention. Their concentration might drop at some point, making them retain barely anything you’ve tought.

It’s the same with other types of content. Overusing them may not be favourable for your learners’ engagement and overall performance.

So, combine text with audio and video content. Again, keep them short, and make sure they’re of high quality.

That’s why you should keep the learning modules short. Between 15-20 minutes is ideal. It should be enough to

Now, you don’t need a professional videographer to create online videos.

You can use your computer, laptop, or

18 | September 2021

even your smartphone camera to record yourself speaking directly to your learners. This way, you’ll connect with them visually and keep them engaged.

3. Create a Variety of Instructional Tasks This goes hand-in-hand with accommodating different learning styles. You need various instructional tasks that include multiple modes of learning so that all of your learners stay engaged.

Some of the most effective instructional tasks in online courses include: Ÿ Prior-knowledge assessment When you determine each learner’s knowledge level before starting a course, you’ll challenge them appropriately throughout it. You can create a quiz with open-ended questions, a poll with real-time responses, or ask questions to groups in breakout rooms. Then, you can direct your learners to proper resources. Ÿ Lectures - These can be your textual, audio, and video lessons, presentations, lecture notes, and other educational resources. Ÿ Practice assessment - Whether you create quizzes, tests, or any other

Make Learning Fun!

form of practice assessment, provide them after every module. Ÿ Discussion boards - They’re essential for collaborative learning, which can boost motivation and engagement among learners. Ÿ Graded assessments - Again, you can use quizzes, tests, surveys, or other assignments to assess your learners’ knowledge. Ÿ Reflection activities - These can be vital for ensuring that the learners have retained everything from the course. You can use thoughtproviding questions, selfassessments, peer assessments, group collaboration projects, and more.

4. Gamify Your Courses Implementing game-like elements into your online courses is one of the best ways to supercharge engagement and knowledge retention. Points, levels, badges, leader boards, and other game mechanics can make your learners feel as if they are playing a game. They’ll have a clear overview of their achievements and goals, and they’ll keep pushing harder to complete new levels and reach the finish line.

Few things can boost someone’s motivation, like a healthy competition, which is what gamification inspires.

So, make sure your chosen online course maker supports gamification features. By gamifying your online courses, you’ll make learning fun and interactive, enhance the learning experience, and ensure your learners soak up all the knowledge.

5. Include Multiple Interactive Elements Gamification will already make your courses interactive, but why stop there?

Kamy Anderson

Market Researcher & Technical Writer, EdTech Enthusiast

About the Author Kamy Anderson is an EdTech enthusiast with a passion for writing for the consumer market in the areas of product research and marketing using quizzes and surveys. Having a knack for writing and an editorial mindset, he is an expert researcher at a brand that’s known for creating delightfully smart tools such as ProProfs Quiz Maker.

As mentioned above, you can use quizzes, surveys, and polls to evaluate your learners’ knowledge. You can create interactive videos, infographics, charts, graphs, mind maps, and more.

The more interactive content you include, the more engaging your courses will be.

Discussion boards, forums, breakout rooms, or any other kind of online learner portal can be excellent for encouraging interactions and collaboration as well.

Start Creating Engaging Online Courses!

Creating online course materials takes time and effort, even with the best online course maker. But when you know your learners’ knowledge levels, challenges, needs, and learning styles, you can create excellent online courses with ease.

Follow these tips to make your online courses engaging, and you’ll inspire and motivate learners for many years to come.

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GERMAN

EDUCATION BENEFITS/REWARDS OF STUDYING IN GERMANY

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he importance of higher education and the weightage of how important role it plays in society is hard to express. We compete with many to win the seat in our favourite institutes to pursue our graduation.

But there are many other factors that stop us from reaching to the seats in college even after giving the most excellent performance in academics. One of them is financial issues.

The fact that tuition fees are constantly increasing in numerous countries and discouraging many intelligent students to pursue their higher education is well known.

Several students need basic support, solution, and encouragement towards completing their education nowadays. Germany is the best stop for them.

In Germany, students receive a number of benefits and assistance so that they can complete their education without

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Perks of German Education

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22 | September 2021