Case-study: How to increase the value of computer science projects in higher education

This paper describes the efforts in the department of computer science of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover to bring forward and sustainably increase the value of research and teaching projects. The aim is to optimally support these projects which are carried out by students and staff members, using appropriate software tools and virtual environments. The special requirements for such a supportive system, which were gathered and refined over time, are analyzed in detail. These requirements serve as a foundation of our implementation. Its evolution is described in consecutive stages which continuously improve the quality of project support by learning from each stage. Furthermore, challenges and benefits of supportive systems are discussed and a vision for future developments towards a virtual, federated value-creating community is drafted.