Ventspils University of Applied Sciences interactive digital classroom opened
July 3, 2020
On Friday, June 26, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) held a formal opening of the interactive digital classroom (IDC) that was created within the framework of the projects “Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe (No. UIA03-250)” (NextGen) and “Modernization of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences STEM Study Programmes” (No. 8.1.1.0/17/I/ 007). The event was attended by VUAS management, lecturers and students, as well as representatives of Ventspils City Council.
VUAS Rector Kārlis Krēsliņš opened the event and expressed satisfaction with the work done within the project and the opportunities that will be available to both lecturers and students in this classroom. After that VUAS lecturer and project coordinator Gints Dreifogels told the participants about the technological possibilities that are provided by the new IDC classroom and the purchased equipment. One of the graduates and current VUAS lecturer Juris Kļonovs, who currently works in Italy and conducts lectures to university students remotely, also joined the event online, demonstrating that lecturers at VUAS will now be able to conduct lectures from anywhere in the world, where the Internet is available. J. Kļonovs also told that VUAS themselves have made a great contribution to the creation and programming of IDC.
The participants of the event had the opportunity to try out the new touch pads. Educational technology expert Toms Urdze had taken care of the task − each visitor created a drawing of a bird on their computer, and the lecturer from the control panel was able to display these drawings on the big class screens. At the end of the event, the Chairman of the Ventspils City Council Aivars Lembergs also praised him, mentioning that he has had had a vision of such a class for quite some time, where students and lecturers could connect remotely and participate in the learning process, and now it can be tested in practice.
The new IDC has been established as a result of two projects implemented at VUAS. From project No. 8.1.1.0/17/I/007 “Modernization of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences STEM Study Programmes” 25 sets of computers and screens were purchased for the total amount of 17 225 EUR, but from the project No. UIA03-250 “Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe” the IDC was equipped with 2 PTZ (decoded as pan-tilt-zoom) cameras with very high resolution quality, with them it is possible to follow the activities of students and lecturers in the classroom by connecting remotely; interactive smart board, 2 LED screens, screen and computer communication control unit, speaker system and wireless microphones, 25 Wacom Intuos Pro (paper edition) touch pads and 25 webcams. Within the project No. UIA03-250 the initial cost of classroom was estimated at EUR 100 240, however, with a slight change in the concept of the classroom and the digital solution development context, the actual cost of the classroom was EUR 32 405. Thanks to the savings created, VUAS will also be able to create a video recording class, where lecturers will be able to remotely record learning courses that are available to a very wide range of listeners (similar to Udemy or Coursera training courses). It will also be possible to purchase new additional solutions to expand the functionality of the digital classroom, as technological development is happening very fast nowadays.
The installation of the IDC coincided exactly with the occurrence of the emergency situation in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the class was ready to perform its basic functions (for remote communications) already on March 11th of this year. However, the full functionality still needs to be worked on by the university IT specialists, lecturers and education experts in order to install all the necessary software, add all the purchased equipment and allow the classroom to work fully as planned.
Both projects still foresee significant improvements at VUAS: within the framework of the project No. 8.1.1.0/17/I/007 VUAS building A currently is undergoing extensive repairs in order to make it better suited and more accessible to people with reduced mobility. Additional purchases will be made to provide STEM study programmes (infrastructure replenishment), while project’s No. UIA03-250 main goal is to support University’s teaching staff digital skills and STEM study programmes content development by digitising and modernising them.
Also until by the end of the project No. UIA03-250 in October 2021, the following works will be completed: a digital tool/application will be developed and published to help lecturers and students easily plan and review their study schedule, statistically analyze the exploitation of the premises, and ensure information flow between lecturers, students and administration; existing and new modern training courses will be modernized, in which lecturers will use the latest educational technology methodologies, as well as the university common distance learning strategy will be developed and content for a new IT distance learning program will be developed, which can be acquired anywhere in the world.
Skatīt vairāk
Project No.UIA03-250 "Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe" the total budget is € 6 246 405.15, including ERDF co-financing of € 4 997 124.12. The total project costs of the activities implemented at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences are 720 059 euros, of which 576 047.20 euros are European Regional Development Fund funding, 144 011.80 euros are State budget co-financing and 12 557.00 euros are Ventspils University of Applied Sciences funding. The project will be implemented from November 1, 2018 to October 31, 2021.
Project No. 8.1.1.0/17/I/007 “Modernization of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences STEM Study Programmes” total project costs are 1 767 572.31 EUR, which consists of ERDF funding - 1 150 235.96 EUR and State budget funding - 617 318.35 EUR. The project implementation period is from November 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020.
Share on other platforms
Other news
At the end of February, the Rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Andris Vaivads, participated in a roundtable discussion titled “Best Practice Examples of Latvian European University Alliances in Promoting Innovation and Regional Development.” The discussion brought together representatives of Latvian universities, ministries, and European University alliances to evaluate more than five years of experience and to discuss the potential of European Universities for the development of higher education in Latvia. During the discussion, participants focused on how European University alliances can be used effectively to strengthen the competitiveness of Latvian higher education, promote innovation, and support regional development. The role of universities in developing human capital and fostering international cooperation was also emphasized. At the same time, participants discussed challenges faced by universities, including resource-intensive coordination, issues related to institutional capacity, and the importance of state support for the successful implementation of these initiatives. The participants of the discussion also highlighted the need for closer cooperation between universities and policymakers to ensure the sustainable development of the higher education and innovation ecosystem in Latvia. The roundtable discussion concluded with a shared recognition of the importance of exchanging experience and a common willingness to continue strengthening the role of Latvian higher education at the European level.
Within the framework of the JIVE ERIC Latvia Partnership Plan, a meeting took place on February 24 to enhance cooperation in the research of space technology solutions and innovative materials. The meeting brought together Latvian representatives from the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – Engineering Research Institute “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” (VIRAC) and the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia, as well as international guests from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) and L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Kazakhstan). During the meeting, participants presented their current research directions and opportunities. Discussions were held on potential joint cooperation and the development of projects within European and international programmes. The participants also identified potential synergies between space research technologies and innovations in new materials. Particular attention was given to shared use of research infrastructure, the involvement of early-career researchers, and the strengthening of long-term partnerships. This meeting marks an important step in expanding the international cooperation of Latvian scientific institutions, laying the foundation for joint research and innovation projects while promoting knowledge transfer and technological development on both regional and global scales. The meeting was held within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012 “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation”.
On Monday, March 3rd, the latest Talks and Tea session gathered around 16 participants, including international students, Erasmus+ students, and local students, for a relaxed afternoon focused on the theme “Festivals.” The event aimed to create a welcoming environment where students from different backgrounds could meet, exchange experiences, and build a stronger sense of community. The session began with a short introduction to several Latvian celebrations connected to the traditional sun year, highlighting a few interesting customs during these festivities. Following the introduction, participants divided into small discussion groups where they shared festival traditions from their own countries. These conversations created a lively exchange of ideas and experiences, allowing students to discover both differences and similarities between cultures. Beyond learning about traditions, the event’s main focus was bringing people together. Through informal discussions over snacks, students had the opportunity to connect, practice intercultural communication, and build friendships in a welcoming and inclusive space. The Talks and Tea series continues to support community building, inclusion, diversity, and cooperation between international and local students. By creating opportunities for dialogue and shared experiences, the events help strengthen connections within the student community and encourage a sense of belonging for everyone involved.
On March 5–7, 2026, the Latvian Academy of Sciences hosted the 8th International Forum of Humanistic Economics “ Innovative Economy in a Time of Geopolitical Change ”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Researchers from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Professor Una Libkovska and doctoral student Monta Anšica, participated in the forum, presenting research findings on the importance and development of management competences as a strategic investment in the development of organizations operating in knowledge-intensive sectors and promoting sustainable development, within the framework of the State Research Programme project “Elaboration of evidence-based solutions for effective professional competence development of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results into practice in Latvia” (VPP-IZM-Izglitiba-2023/4-0001). The main objective of the forum defined the promotion of dialogue between science, business and policy makers in search of solutions for sustainable economic growth, the development of innovation and the acquisition of new export markets. The forum brought together scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors and international experts from European, American and Asian countries to discuss the importance of innovation in economic development in a time of change. During the discussions, special attention was paid to the development of education and human capital, the introduction of science-based innovations, attracting investments and the development of competitive projects in Latvia and Europe. During the forum, plenary sessions were held in which international experts analysed global economic development trends, the importance of innovation in technological advancement, and the role of human capital in ensuring sustainable growth. The programme also included thematic workshops and discussion sessions addressing current issues related to economic development, including the role of artificial intelligence and high technologies in shaping modern economies. Scientists from different countries, innovation policy experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives of the academic community participated in the discussions, fostering international exchange of experience and strengthening cooperation. The insights gained at the forum promote the use of research results in practice and help to develop knowledge transfer, which is essential for strengthening the competitiveness of the Latvian economy.
The TALKS & TEA afternoons are starting again! Next week on Tuesday we invite YOU to a cozy tea afternoon with activities to learn new Latvian words and to connect with local students! This time we will talk about festivals and celebrations we have in Latvia but, of course, we are also excited to hear about the festivals that you celebrate! Everybody is welcome to join! Where & when? Date: 3rd March 2026 Time: 17:00 Place: D103 We are looking forward to seeing you and your friends!
Last weekend, the TechChill Student Challenge 2026 took place in Riga, bringing together motivated students to experience the fast-paced world of startups. We are proud that 16 students from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences participated in the 24-hour hackathon, while three students from the Start-up Management programme were part of the organizing team, contributing to the successful delivery of the event. During the challenge, participants formed teams, developed business ideas, validated their concepts, and presented their solutions to a professional jury, all within just 24 hours. Hackathons provide a valuable opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in practice, strengthen teamwork and problem-solving skills, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. The jury consisted of industry representatives: Luīze Dārta Sietiņa (TechChill), Āris Brenčis (NGL Ventures), Velma Linko (Junction), Lev Bass (Hukt AI), and Sigvards Krongorns (Verge HealthTech Fund). Their expertise provided valuable feedback and real-world insight into the startup ecosystem. Among the participants, 4th year Start-up Management student Kate Liepa and her team achieved 2nd place, receiving tickets to Latitude59. You can read her reflections on the experience here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kate-liepa-77168b24b_techchill-student-challenge-has-come-to-ugcPost-7431977095171371009-OA0U We are proud of our students for their initiative, engagement, and strong representation of the university.
