Building an Online-First University with the Open edX® Platform for the German University for Digital Science
From Vision to Virtual Campus: Building an Online-First University with the Open edX® platform
The German University for Digital Science (German UDS) embarked on an ambitious journey: establishing a fully accredited university, offering all its programs entirely online.
They set out with a bold mission – make digital education globally accessible, especially for individuals eager to gain digital skills and contribute to the digital transformation, including those facing traditional barriers to education.
The German UDS envisioned a flexible, scalable, and inclusive learning environment that could integrate seamlessly with existing systems and reach a diverse, global student body.
However, launching an online-first university came with its own set of challenges:
- A robust platform capable of handling rapid growth
- A mix of free and paid learning formats, including full degree programs
- Integration with key IT systems, including Microsoft 365 and campus management tools
This is where Abstract-Technology GmbH stepped in.
Our Solution: A Tailored Open edX® Implementation
As a leading European verified Open edX® service partner, Abstract-Technology GmbH partnered with the German UDS to turn their digital-first vision into a scalable reality.
Our deep technical expertise and proficiency in Open edX® became the cornerstone of their online learning ecosystem. The choice of the Open edX® platform itself was strategic, offering the scalability, flexibility, open-source advantages, and community support essential for the unique vision of the German UDS.
Our role extended beyond the platform setup; we provided the critical technical and strategic support that allowed the German UDS to launch effectively with a lean operational team, echoing Dr. Thomas Staubitz's (German UDS) insight:
The Open edX® platform as a core but not in isolation
Far from operating in isolation, the Open edX® platform of the German UDS seamlessly connects with a diverse array of essential third-party solutions, including Full Fabric (student management software), Turnitin (plagiarism detection tool), Yellowdig (a solution that facilitates student communication), SMOWL (exam proctoring software), and robust SSO via Microsoft 365. This creates a cohesive and comprehensive digital learning environment.
Image Source: Abstract-Technology GmbH. All rights reserved.
We configured a tailored microsite to support distinct user journeys for university students accessing paid study programs like Master degrees and MBAs and lifelong learners utilizing free offerings, ensuring a streamlined and intuitive experience for every user.
Image Source: Abstract-Technology GmbH. All rights reserved.
This open platform is also strategically connected to broader MOOC aggregators like MOOCHub and Findig, amplifying reach and accessibility.
Image Source: Abstract-Technology GmbH. All rights reserved.
Our key contributions and areas of expertise included:
- Seamless Third-Party Integrations:
Leveraging the power of LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability), we integrated essential tools such as Turnitin for robust plagiarism detection and automated grading systems, ensuring academic integrity and operational efficiency. - Course Catalog API Development:
To maximize discoverability and marketing reach, we helped the German UDS to develop an API for their course catalog, enabling them to list programs on MOOC aggregators like MOOCHub and other platforms.
Want to know more about API development? Read this blog post in order to get more information: The MOOChub API and its Open edX Integration at the German UDS Central IT System Connectivity:
A critical aspect was integrating the Open edX® platform with the core IT infrastructure of the German UDS, including their Microsoft 365 suite and campus student management system Full Fabric. This facilitated automated student account creation, single sign-on (SSO), and streamlined key administrative processes.
Want to know more about the Ecosystem of the German UDS? Read this blog post in order to get more information: Streamlining Student Management: Open edX & Full Fabric Integration at the German UDSLaunching Diverse Learning Offerings:
⁕ October 2024: Micro-credential programs launched
Our technical guidance and support enabled the German UDS to successfully launch a variety of learning programs.
⁕ February 2025: Over 2,000 user registrations
⁕ April 2025: Preparation for state-recognized Master’s and MBA programs- Customized UI/UX:
We collaborated closely with the German UDS to design and implement a branded Open edX® learning environment that perfectly reflected the university's distinct identity and intuitive learning experience goals.
Discover how the German UDS is transforming
education with the Open edX® platform.
Visit their platform today!
Abstract-Technology's AI-Powered Chatbot for the German UDS
A pivotal innovation within the Open edX® platform of the German UDS is the AI-powered chatbot, which provides learners with immediate support around the clock.
This smart learning assistant can answer questions about course content and platform functionalities and can even help non-native English speakers by translating content, which significantly enhances the student learning experience.
Currently, the chatbot retrieves its information from the platform’s core Open edX databases, including course metadata (CourseOverview, CourseDetails, modulestore), extracted course content (HTML blocks, problems, video transcripts), discussion forums (via Thread.search()), and enrollment and progress data (from CourseEnrollment and CourseGradeFactor). The chatbot then formulates answers to learners' specific questions on behalf of OpenAI.
Looking ahead, Abstract-Technology is committed to advancing this AI integration and plans to expand the chatbot's knowledge base to include:
- Uploaded course documents
- Video subtitles
- Audio transcripts
- Code files
Furthermore, the chatbot will extend its reach to the German UDS university website, where it will handle general FAQs and questions concerning the study programs and enrollment.
A significant future development will be the creation of a teacher-controlled material management backend inspired by NotebookLM. This highly customisable interface will automatically retrieve all course materials from the Open edX® platform of the German UDS, giving teachers granular control over which content is accessible to the chatbot. It will even enable time-based visibility rules (e.g. hiding specific week content during exams), ensuring content relevance and pedagogical control.
Stay tuned for the next frontier of #EdTech!
Impact: From Ambition to Achievement
Abstract-Technology's partnership enabled German UDS to achieve a rapid launch, demonstrating the immense value of leveraging an experienced Open edX partner.
The implemented platform is a highly scalable solution designed for their anticipated growth, providing an enhanced student experience through seamless integrations, and significantly increased visibility for their programs.
The German UDS is now well-positioned for continued expansion, scaling MOOC offerings and open courses, launching more accredited programs, and leveraging the full power of the Open edX® ecosystem.
This success story highlights the power of the Open edX® platform combined with expert implementation and strategic partnership, enabling universities like the German UDS to lead the charge in digital education.
