What began in 2000 as a cross-university digital course programme for students in Bavaria has grown to reach people interested in continuing education worldwide. With the support of 36 universities, the vhb has transformed the educational landscape, extending well beyond university borders and Bavaria itself. It remains a unique model in Europe.
In a video message for the vhb's digital commemorative publication, Science Minister Markus Blume offered his congratulations in advance, emphasising the following:
'25 years in the digital age is an era. The vhb has demonstrated that a virtual campus can be combined with excellent teaching. It has always been a true pioneer in terms of the quality and scope of its teaching programmes. As teaching changes and new technologies are introduced, so does the vhb. With the vhb, Bavaria is excellently positioned. However, it is important not only to look back, but also to look ahead. As the Free State of Bavaria, we will continue to actively support the vhb and guide this unique network of universities towards a bright future, for the benefit of our students in Bavaria.
At the celebratory event held in the AULA at the University of Bamberg, Stephanie Jacobs, the newly appointed Head of Office at the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, conveyed the congratulations of the state government and summarised: 'Twenty-five years ago, the digital world was in its infancy. The Bavarian universities took the bold step of rethinking teaching and learning, setting up their joint virtual campus with the vhb.'
The concept was a success, as the vhb's usage figures demonstrate. While around 2,000 students enrolled on courses in 2000, today around 200,000 students enrol annually, totalling over 2.7 million since its foundation.
Jacobs continued: 'The vhb stands for new impulses and new approaches to higher education. It is equally successful with its open course programme for all interested parties. Today, OPEN vhb reaches learners in 139 countries. The vhb is a global trendsetter, constantly expanding and optimising its offerings. It is driving innovation in the higher education landscape. Our investments in teaching are investments in the future.'
The vhb employs over 600 lecturers who develop and deliver online courses for students across Bavaria, as well as open courses for anyone interested. They have been impressing students with their creative teaching approaches, interactive learning formats and the high quality of their digital teaching ever since the vhb was founded, and they are the ones to whom the VHB owes much of its success.
During the ceremony, three awards were presented in each of the following three categories:
- Outstanding support: CLASSIC vhb (courses for credit towards a university degree programme)
- Outstanding media didactics: OPEN vhb (open courses for all interested parties)
- Outstanding overall concept/integration into teaching: SMART vhb (digital learning units)
Click here for more information on the vhb's teaching/learning programmes: www.vhb.org
Share