The need for re- and upskilling (i.e. further training that prepares for new/increased requirements) is constantly increasing in today's working life. Every individual has his/her own need for further or additional training. But what is the most effective way to learn? And how can “personalized information systems” provide optimal support for learning? After a theoretical overview, Eva Ritz examines questions about the right time to learn, conscious/unconscious cognition and the control of what has been learned. Her goal is to optimally activate conscious cognition through personalized information systems. To measure this, she carried out practical experiments: Brain waves of students were measured while learning vocabulary using EEG under different conditions.

In her research, Eva Ritz shows how the negative effects of online learning can be mitigated if information systems are personalized and adapted to the cognitive limitations of learners. In addition, her dissertation contributes to the theoretical concept of personalization by providing an interdisciplinary understanding of design features for personalizing information systems.

After the defense, Eva Ritz was presented with the well-deserved “doctoral hat” by her colleagues.