eTeach network Thuringia focuses on products, visibility and collaboration
On February 5 and 6, 2026, the eTeach Network Thuringia met for its annual network retreat in the neudeli start-up workshop at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. The deliberately new term „Klausur“ (retreat) replaces the term „Retreat“ and makes it clear what it was all about: concentrated work phases, binding agreements and a common strategic direction.
Under the motto „From producing to publishing - do good and talk about it“ focused on the question of how the diverse results of the network can be communicated and used more visibly, effectively and sustainably in the future.
Day 1: Priorities and a joint roadmap
The first day of the retreat was used for internal network communication. The working areas and working groups presented their current status, planned products and requirements in brief inputs. Building on this, the participants worked on a joint editorial and publication plan in two intensive phases.
The aim was to move from individual formats and projects to a clearly prioritized roadmap with defined responsibilities and realistic time horizons until the end of 2027.
Central objectives of the fields of work
In terms of content, the focus was particularly on the cross-university products of the fields of work: In the field of testing The aim of the project is to develop a common glossary, a systematic overview of existing examination formats, the use of AI in examinations and the further development of formative examination approaches. The Artificial intelligence field of work is working on handouts and checklists, on the further development of the genKI driver's license, on offers to strengthen AI sovereignty and on practical training formats. In the Future Skills field of work The focus is on the positioning of the network, support services for teaching staff and guidance for curriculum planning. This is supplemented by the Moodle field of work with a focus on accessibility, user surveys and the further development of shared technical infrastructures.
In addition, the new Field of work Student participation Involve students more closely in development and design processes.
At the end of the day, an inspiring impulse from Ludwig Lorenz set new thought-provoking accents: a presentation on „Connected Thinking“ showed in a practical way how knowledge and data can be meaningfully networked in everyday working life - for example with tools such as Obsidian.
Day 2: Strengthening visibility - in dialog with the Vice Presidents
The second day was all about external impact. The members of the network met with the vice presidents of the Thuringian universities in an extended round.
The morning was opened by Cordula Borbe, Vice President for Studies and Teaching at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and Academic Director of the Network's Strategy Council. She emphasized the importance of the network in keeping universities competitive. At the same time, she formulated a clear mandate for university management to act as ambassadors for the results of the network both internally and externally.
The wishes of the network and the vice presidents were systematically compared in several rounds of discussions.
Common ground and clear commitments
The exchange made it clear that there is a great deal of agreement on key points. The eTeach network is perceived by university management as a role model for successful cross-university cooperation. Accordingly, there is a common will to further strengthen this cooperation structurally and secure it in the long term.
A central topic was the consistent sharing of resources: developments, products and concepts that are created at individual universities should be systematically made available to all. Existing examples such as the genKI driving license or the cross-university exchange on AI guidelines were highlighted as particularly effective. Training opportunities should also be used more jointly in future and anchored institutionally.
At the end, both sides set out their commitments: the vice presidents formulated concrete pledges of support to increase visibility, while the network bundled its most urgent next tasks.
The eTeach Network Retreat 2026 marks a clear step from development to publication. With a coordinated roadmap, concrete products and strong university policy backing, the network is well positioned to further expand its impact on studying and teaching in Thuringia and to talk about it even more visibly in the future.
Photos: Emily Ungermann, Cosmo Schüppel, Uwe Cämmerer-Seibel
