During the last week of school before the long summer break, students in the information technology track at the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt State Vocational Training Center took a trip into virtual worlds: Prof. Hartmut Seichter introduced the students to the technical and social aspects of virtual and augmented reality. “It’s important to me to provide as broad a perspective as possible on today’s media landscape,” said homeroom teacher Marian Bouwmann. That’s why the university’s “Rent-A-Prof” program was a welcome addition.
Through its “Rent a Prof” program, Schmalkalden University brings professors directly to schools. These professors deliver engaging introductory talks or complete teaching units - tailored to the specific class and available time. Options include a single class period, double periods, or an entire project day.
The topics are diverse, but above all, they are practical, current, and explained in an accessible way. Whether it’s technology, law, economics, digitalization, or robotics - the key is to make complex content tangible and to show how future-oriented topics impact everyday life.
Examples of presentation topics include: Deepfakes, AI, and the Law | Sensor Technology: Your Smartphone as a Mini-Lab | Empathetic Robots—How Technology Recognizes Emotions | Experiencing Extended Reality & Virtual Worlds Live | Sustainability & Digitalization in the Legal System | Psychological Perspectives on Career, Motivation, and Teamwork.
Interested schools and teachers are welcome to contact the university’s Student Marketing team: Corinna Endter & Laura Eff, studium@hs-schmalkalden.de.