FernUniversität students now have free, secure access to cutting-edge AI tools through the KI:Connect.NRW portal—designed specifically to support academic work while ensuring full compliance with data protection regulations.
Generative AI can enhance your studies in countless ways: from drafting and summarising texts to organising complex scientific material, exploring new project ideas and even generating sample data for research. KI:Connect.NRW opens up fresh possibilities for learning, analysis and innovation.
Why use KI:Connect.NRW?
- ✅ Free access via your FernUniversität account
- 🔒 Browser-based, GDPR-compliant usage
- 🧠 AI support for writing, summarising, and brainstorming
- 🚀 Boost your personal AI literacy
- 🛠 Helpdesk support for questions and technical issues
Prof. Claudia de Witt, Vice-Rector for Teaching, Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Educational Processes, emphasises the value of the initiative:
“With KI:Connect.NRW, we’re giving all FernUniversität students the chance to explore AI tools at no cost and use them meaningfully in their academic work. For instructors, it opens doors to entirely new teaching scenarios—enabling more targeted delivery of subject matter and skills, and offering personalised feedback to students.”
Prof. de Witt’s research focuses on education and digitalisation, particularly the didactic design of learning environments using innovative technologies and the integration of AI in higher education.
What is KI:Connect.NRW?
KI:Connect.NRW is a state-funded initiative led by RWTH Aachen University. Its mission: to provide all public universities in North Rhine-Westphalia with centralised, secure access to generative AI tools. All requests are processed anonymously via European servers, ensuring no personal data is collected and that user content is not used for AI training.
Which AI models are available?
- Llama 3.3 70B
- Llama 3.1
These open-source models, developed by Meta AI, are part of the Llama (Large Language Model Meta AI) family. Version 3.3 was released on April 18, 2024.
More models—including GPT OSS 120b from OpenAI—are expected to be added in future updates.
How to get started
Students can access KI:Connect.NRW through a simple web interface using their FernUni login credentials. It’s a fast, secure way to integrate AI into your academic workflow.
Want to deepen your understanding? Enrol in the studyFIT course “Learning with AI” to explore how AI can support your studies.
Text translated and adapted from: Generative KI erleben: KI:Connect.NRW für FernUni-Studierende startet.
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