Thanks to the holidays, I had some time to tidy up my desk and flick through some newspapers and magazines that were already piling up. Among those was also the FernUni Perspektive, a newspaper published on a quarterly basis by the FernUniversität Hagen which is the only state-maintained distance teaching university in Germany.
Two interesting projects caught my attention; particularly, as they overlap with my research interests:
I. FlinK – Freelancer im Spannungsfeld von Flexibilisierung und Stabilisierung
This research project is dedicated to the professional and social situation of freelance workers in the media and IT business. A central part of research is e.g. the conflict between freelancers’ challenge of becoming increasingly flexible while at the same time wishing for stability in both their professional and private lives. Furthermore, the imbalance between the need for further training and the actual participation in training programs is investigated; as well as aspects of professional identity, motivation, and personality of elder freelance workers. Read more…
II. eKNIC
The FernUniversität Hagen is planning an eKnowledge Network and Innovation Center. This future research center will focus on the main challenges of the knowledge society, e.g. learning and knowledge creation in socio-technical networks. Knowledge and education will be investigated from a new perspective and links to knowledge management and knowledge networks are to be established. Learn more… (article in German only)
