Delegation trip to Tallinn: Digital transformation in studying and teaching

The delegation consisted of eight representatives from both universities.

H-BRS:

Professor Dr Marion Halfmann (President)
Angela Fischer (Chancellor);
Prof. Dr Teena Chakkalayil Hassan (Vice-President for International Affairs and Digitalisation);
Prof. Dr. Hannes Tschofenig (Professor of Computer Science, specialising in Network Security).
HSNR:

Prof. Dr Kathleen Diener (Vice-President for Research)
Dr Sylvia Ruschin (Head of Didactics)
Professor Matthias Mehrtens (Professor of Cyber Security Management)
Sandro Kiefer (Cyber Security Management student)

AI, cybersecurity and digital teaching: insights and best practices.

The visit to Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) was particularly impressive. AI-supported chatbots for student counselling and feedback were presented, as well as innovative approaches for the automated evaluation of source code and examination results. TalTech utilises public-private partnerships for research into LLM-based tools, demonstrating how universities can meaningfully integrate new technologies into teaching and learning.

The visit to e-Estonia offered exciting insights into the country's comprehensive implementation of the digital transformation, from digital identity to e-government services such as e-marriage and e-divorce. Presentations at CybExer Technologies emphasised the importance of cybersecurity simulations in practical training.

Another highlight was the RIA CyberMeetUp on 15 May, which brought together leading experts in cybersecurity, AI and innovation and was also broadcast digitally.

A chance meeting with the rector of the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (EEK Mainor) evolved into a productive discussion about potential collaborations. Similar approaches emerged during visits to Tallinn University and Tallinna Tehnikakõrgkool, with which existing partnerships were strengthened.

There was also close collaboration within the German delegation, transcending disciplinary boundaries. Joint evenings, including a presentation evening at the Palo Alto Club, strengthened the network and created the basis for future projects.

Conclusion:
The trip was a complete success, both professionally and personally. The momentum gained will be channelled directly into the digitalisation projects of both universities. In particular, the focus will be on further developing AI-supported teaching formats and joint projects.