Essay: Mediation Training Online

in: Perspective Mediation 4/2021, p. 256-263

Dr Katarzyna Schubert-Panecka, Dr Sascha Weigel and Florian Winhart

Article by Dr Sascha Weigel and Dr Jörg Schneider-Brodtmann for publication in Konfliktdynamik, issue III/2022 with the focus on "Conflict Prevention"

Mediation is a widely used process for conflict resolution and decision-making. It is practised in all parts of the world today. Training to become a mediator is covered by national legislation as well as regulations and guidelines from national or international associations. Whilst training has always involved modular on-site teaching, this has changed significantly in recent years. With the increasing acceptance of online-supported mediation procedures, the number of training programmes has also increased. blended-learning The number of online training programmes has increased and reached a temporary peak during the pandemic. In this article, we set out the legal framework for training in German-speaking countries, explain the technical and methodological aspects of online training and draw attention to the opportunities and risks. In the so-called VUCA world, we will have to deal with offline and online-based mediation practice and training in a playful way, both now and in the future. In this sense, it is worthwhile to find a playful approach to the new possibilities of the media and to utilise them in the training of mediators. Without overlooking the effects on people as analogue beings.