TRANSITION FROM FACE-TO-FACE TO HYBRID HACKATHONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Digital technologies played an increasingly important role during pandemic due to the transition to distance learning. Hackathons, which have previously been face-to-face were tested as fully online or as hybrid ones during COVID-19 pandemic. This paper seeks to study one such hybrid entrepreneurial hackathon, which was a combination of both face-to-face and virtual learning platforms. The international students from a Finnish higher educational institute participated in the hackathon and engaged in an active learning process. The use of digital platforms made it possible to conduct this hackathon during the pandemic. This paper presents varied digital learning platforms and their effective usage during the hackathon. This paper also reviews the progression of HACK-IT project, Hackathon and ICT-based Innovative Methodologies in Higher Education, which was established after this hybrid hackathon, and aims to create more flexible, inclusive, and secure technology enhanced open, digital education. The necessity for online hackathons and other digital methodologies during the pandemic led to the development of HACK-IT project. This project supports the digital capabilities of teachers by developing an online hackathon methodology. This study provides insights into the new forms of teaching and learning as well as the innovative digital methodologies.