Between China and Germany- grok: Concept and Groupware for International Project-Based Learning

International project-based learning is a promising educational method to overcome the challenges of the 21st century for the higher education of students in the field of information and communication technologies. Focusing on the needs of the University of Applied Sciences in Darmstadt, Germany and the Xian Institute of Post and Telecommunications in Xian, China the mission of this work is to design a solution how the advantages of this educational method can be leveraged. Analyzing the tight relationship between education, communication and communities identifies the essential need for grokking -a holistic way of learning. The author presents a concept for the twelve months of the introduction of international project-based learning and reveals a novel approach to groupware systems supporting the work in global projects. Combining scientific results with empathy through local experiences was the strategy to ensure sustainability and cultural awareness.