Within the framework of the project “Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe,” VUAS has developed several innovative products to improve the study process.

October 12, 2021

Since November 1, 2018, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has been involved in the project “Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe”. Ten cooperation partners from Ventspils and Valmiera are participating in the project. During the implementation of the project, several innovative products have been developed to introduce and use digital solutions that would considerably improve the workflow at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. These innovative products are available to use by both the staff and students of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.

One of these products is the VeApp information system that has been developed as a unique daily study and activity planning, information sharing and communications tool for the convenience of the students and staff of VUAS. The VeApp is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphone users.


On the app, the users can view their current study or event calendar. Students can now find and contact the lecturers and the VUAS staff, as well as quickly locate rooms at the university. With the check-in function built in the app, the students can easily mark themselves present at lectures and events by using their smartphones to scan the QR codes displayed on special LCD screens near the most frequently used classrooms. These screens will display the list of lectures, any published changes, and the QR codes necessary for the digital check-in using a smartphone. 

Additionally, the application serves as an informative platform through which important announcements about news and opportunities at the university can be shared in real-time. Meanwhile, the VeApp content control system enables the VUAS administrative staff to easily and securely control the sections and content of the app in real-time, allowing for a quick and efficient way to adapt to different levels of change.


Other innovative achievements and upgrades include the new video studio which is currently being equipped and will soon be available for use. The video studio will serve as a tool for creating new materials and modernizing the existing ones. The studio provides professional filming, lighting and sound equipment, as well as top-class editing and recording software. The equipment and software can be used for streaming and online classes, recording and editing videos for various purposes.


During the project, room C406 was modernized and improved and is now proudly called the interactive digital classroom. The new interactive digital classroom was set up to assist the daily work of lecturers with various tools. It provides the lecturers a convenient way to present their lectures both in-person and remotely, or in a mixed-mode, even if the students are on-site and the lecturer is working remotely. The classroom is equipped with a microphone and a camera for online transmission of the lecturer, as well as webcams for students, digital tablets for drawing and writing on the computer, and an interactive whiteboard that provides remote access.


In the project, the word "innovative" is not limited to just technology and tools, but it also includes methodology which plays an important role. For example, 36 hours of training were organized on the topics of creating a modern online course, the tools and versatile possibilities on Moodle, including the use of interactive tools, modernized FIT courses, additionally, the faculties of VUAS and the Lifelong Learning Center developed distance learning courses with video-based content. Momentum has increased for effective and meaningful use of various ICT tools in the process of teaching study courses.


The project "Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe" has initiated the development of distance learning and laid the foundation for its development where, through the use of a technological base and appropriate methodologies, we will be able to develop innovative approaches to studying.


This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Urban Innovative Actions Initiative. The content of this press release does not reflect the official opinion of the Urban Innovative Actions Initiative. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in the press release lies entirely with the author.


Share on other platforms

Other news

Erasmus Days at VUAS: A Celebration of International Collaboration

By Rota Rulle • October 28, 2025
On October 22, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) joined the international celebration of “Erasmus Days”, bringing students and staff together for an afternoon filled with creativity, teamwork, and cultural exchange. The event was organized by two students of VUAS with the help of international office and “COLOURS”, featuring engaging activities and friendly competition across a series of interactive stations. Each station offered a unique challenge inspired by the theme of cultural diversity, encouraging participants to test their knowledge, communication skills, and creativity while earning points for their teams. Guided by enthusiastic station leaders and coordinated by the two main event organizers, the atmosphere was both energetic and welcoming. Students from different study programs and cultural backgrounds had the opportunity to connect, work together, and learn from one another in a relaxed and engaging environment. Throughout the event, participants enjoyed refreshments and snacks, as well as a live performance from the band “Sweet Sixteen.” The music, laughter, and friendly competition made for a memorable afternoon celebrating the spirit of “Erasmus +” openness, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. At the end of the activities, all teams received prizes in recognition of their efforts, with the winning team taking home exclusive VUAS merchandise. “Erasmus Days” once again highlighted the value of collaboration and student mobility, reminding everyone that learning extends far beyond the classroom, it thrives through shared experiences and cultural exchange and making new connections. Photos: Endijs Eihlers

Language Café Returns for Round Two

By Rota Rulle • October 24, 2025
After a fantastic first edition, our Language Café is back and better than ever! If you missed it the first time, this is your chance to join the friendliest crew of language lovers on the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences campus. Expect good vibes, new words, and plenty of laughter as we meet again at D0 (Lounge Room) on 29th October 2025 at 16:30. Whether you’re a returning participant or a first-timer, everyone is welcome! So dust off your sense of humour, clear your schedule, and widen your comfort zone. Bring a friend, roommate, coursemate, and of course, your favourite snack – and let’s make language learning fun again!

VUAS representative strengthens cooperation with Le Mans University in France

By Rota Rulle • October 22, 2025
In September, Lilita Sproģe, Head of the Doctoral School at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, went on a business trip to Le Mans University in France to discuss opportunities for creating a joint internship project for doctoral students and developing cooperation in providing doctoral study courses, research, and student mobility. The meeting was organized by COLOURS project partners at the Le Mans University. The day's program included several meetings with representatives of Le Mans University, including Christine Gonzalez, Deputy Director of the EDGE Doctoral School and Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Geoffroy Martin, Administrative Director of the Doctoral School, Selin Duhan, Head of the International Relations Office, Xavier Lachazette, Vice President of International Relations, and Miloš Borozan, former COLOURS WP3 Manager. During her visit, L. Sproģe familiarized herself with the language faculty and doctoral student workspaces, as well as the research infrastructure on the university campus. Le Mans University is closely integrated into the city structure and easily accessible by public transport from Paris and Le Mans itself. The talks covered key differences between Latvian and French doctoral school models and regulatory frameworks, credit point accounting principles, promotion procedures, and deadlines for completing doctoral theses. The meeting resulted in a strengthened mutual interest in further cooperation in the development of joint doctoral activities and research in the fields of linguistics and economics.

Language Cafe Brings Together International and Local Students

By Rota Rulle • October 16, 2025
On September 30, 2025, the first Language Café organized by the COLOURS Project was held at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The event gathered international and local students in a relaxed and informal environment to practice languages (Mainly Latvian Language for now), exchange cultures, and foster connections across study programs. The event took place at student lounge, bringing together students from more than 6 different nationalities and speakers of a wide variety of languages, including English, Latvian, French, German, and Russian. The Language Cafe was designed to support student integration and intercultural communication, two key focus areas of COLOURS. During the event, participants engaged in small-group conversations guided by Lasma Asme, the EDI coordinator. The atmosphere was lively and inclusive, with background music by Liva Slesare, allowing students to gain confidence in speaking while enjoying snacks and refreshments prepared by the EDI coordinator. “The participation from both Latvian and international students exceeded our expectations,” commented Janvier Dylan, COLOURS representative and International student “It was inspiring to see how open and engaged everyone was, especially how many Latvian students were eager to communicate and connect across cultures. The energy and motivation to continue this kind of event were remarkable.” The event concluded with students dividing into small groups, where Latvian participants taught international students common words and phrases useful for everyday communication. This interactive exchange created a lively and friendly atmosphere that encouraged mutual learning. The session ended with an open discussion about future activities, during which students shared creative ideas for how upcoming café meetings could look. Many also expressed interest in volunteering and helping to organise the next events, highlighting their motivation to make the Language Cafe a regular and sustainable part of campus life the organisers noted that the success of the first Language Café demonstrates the importance of creating spaces that encourage communication, collaboration, and cultural exchange beyond the classroom. The next Language Café is planned for 29th October 2025, and all VeA students, international and local, are welcome to join.

Erasmus Days 2025 – Let’s Celebrate Together!

By Rota Rulle • October 15, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences invites students, staff, and the community to join Erasmus Days 2025 on October 22nd at 5:00 PM in the Lounge Room (D0) for an unforgettable evening of fun, culture, and connection. The event will feature a variety of interactive stations and activities, offering everyone a chance to test their knowledge, explore new cultures, and win exciting prizes. Whether you’re an Erasmus+ participant, an international student, or simply curious about global exchange, this celebration is the perfect opportunity to learn, engage, and connect. To keep the energy high, the evening will include snacks, live music, and plenty of good vibes – all in the spirit of bringing people together from across the world. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Erasmus Days 2025 with us! Come share the Erasmus spirit, make new friends, and experience the joy of international exchange.

"Beyond Words" CoLab and Conference Highlights the Evolving Role of Language and Communication in Modern Society

By Rota Rulle • October 13, 2025
On October 9 and 10, at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, in cooperation with Jan Dlugosz University in Poland, CoLab “More Than Words: (Inter)Linguistic Aspects in a Practical Context” took place. During the forum, participants discussed topics such as the interaction between language and technology, the impact of artificial intelligence on translation, cultural and identity aspects, current issues in language policy, and the challenges of communication in a multilingual society. Keynote lectures were delivered by speakers from several countries - Ramunė Kasperė from Lithuania, who outlined the future prospects of the translator’s profession in the age of artificial intelligence; Andrejs Veisbergs from the University of Latvia, who addressed issues of censorship in Latvian literary translations; and Olga Słabońska from Poland, who analyzed the grammatical structures of Polish and English from a cognitive perspective. Forum participants were eager to explore current topics from the perspectives of different lecturers and to gain valuable insights, which encouraged a broader understanding of the role of language, culture, and communication in contemporary society. At the end of the first day, all interested participants had the opportunity to visit the Ventspils Open-Air Museum to explore Latvia’s national cultural heritage – the Livonian language – together with Dženeta Marinska, a speaker of Livonian. The lecture concluded with a crossword activity, where participants searched for Livonian names of everyday objects around the museum grounds, followed by a tasting of traditional sklandrauši and smoked flounder from Kolka.  “The Livonian language lecture was truly inspiring – Dženeta spoke about both the history of the Livonian language and her personal journey of learning it. During the lecture, we also listened to Livonian folk songs and experienced the unique sound of the language. This experience made me reflect on the value and fragility of our own language – how easily it could disappear if we do not protect and use it in our daily lives,” shared participant Lelde Bērziņa. As part of the forum, COLOURS Alliance student workshops were also held, where students worked on practical tasks related to digital translation tools, intercultural communication, and foreign language learning. The forum concluded with a panel discussion titled “The Humanities: New Trends, Changes, and the Future.” More photos are available here: https://zviedrans.lv/klientiem/ Beyond Words: (Inter)Lingual Reflections in Practice October 9-10 | Ventspils, Latvia Password: beyondwordsventspils
Other news