VU Education Lab

What was the main goal of your project?
The main goal was to use the Quality Funds to realise educational innovations and provide direct support to lecturers, so that VU Amsterdam can offer education that is as high-quality and innovative as possible. We wanted to create an environment where lecturers are optimally supported in their teaching practice, both in physical and online settings.

What concrete results have you achieved with your project?
Over the past five years, we have established and expanded the VU Education Lab using resources from the Quality Plan. We support lecturers with student assistants who can help them implement ICT innovations. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we assisted VU in providing fully online education (using Zoom) and digital examinations within two weeks. Additionally, we have implemented educational tools like FeedbackFruits and Perusall and made free knowledge clips available for lecturers. We have also developed extensive documentation and support to help lecturers use these tools effectively.

What did you personally find the most beautiful or special moment during this project? 
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when we collaborated with Student and Educational Affairs, IT Services, Legal Affairs, and other departments to make fully online education and digital examinations possible within two weeks. The speed and efficiency with which we achieved this transition, and the positive reactions from both lecturers and students, were incredibly inspiring.

How has this project contributed to the improvement of education at VU Amsterdam?
It ensured a rapid transition to online education during the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity and quality. The implementation of new tools and support helped lecturers modernise their teaching, which is crucial for VU's ambition to realise digital blended education. We laid a solid foundation for future innovations, including the responsible use of generative AI. Through this ongoing support, lecturers can better respond to the needs of students, resulting in an improved learning experience at VU Amsterdam.