For a successful study experience, one thing is particularly important: motivation—both for students and for instructors. Here, varied teaching methods and interactive tools are especially valuable. Digital teaching and research can be flexibly adapted to didactic concepts using open source software, providing added value for all participants. The diverse tools enable a variety of teaching formats: whether interactive video conferences with BigBlueButton, recorded lectures with Opencast, or a digitally structured course with different learning materials on Stud.IP.The better digital teaching can be prepared and reviewed, the more independently students can work. Thus, the use of open source software in digital teaching and research promotes students’ self-learning skills and autonomy, while also enhancing motivation for both learners and instructors.

Particularly in the context of higher education, it becomes clear that digital teaching and research are closely intertwined with open source software. Many parallels can be drawn, showing that open source can already be considered an integral part of open science. In this context, the use of open source software can promote the so-called FAIRPrinciples (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). By adhering to these internationally recognised principles, students have the opportunity to not only learn the study content theoretically but also apply it directly in practice. Supporting collaborative workflows, for example via GitHub, allows students to apply what they have learned in the appropriate context and contribute to its further development. In this way, open source solutions help advance digital teaching and research. weiter voranzubringen.