Welcome to the Scientific Community

An endless journey into the world of those who search for new information. That is the essence of university studies. It is a continuing expedition and adventure, an endless mission to seek out and discover together with one’s researcher colleagues.

With this idea as the starting point, the planning of a web-based course was started at the University of Oulu by the Open University and the teaching developers and faculties. The course was named Academic Learning Skills (2 cr., 3 cr. ECTS) and its purpose was to facilitate students’ orientation toward university studies. To succeed in academic studies one has to understand the importance of the scientific community, grasp the functions of its members, and possess skills in information retrieval and studying.

Inspired by the necessity and demand of the course the Verkosto-Vatti virtual university venture was initiated. The goal of the venture was to further develop and expand the usage and application of the study material and mode of operation at Finnish universities. By sharing the experience from the Academic Learning Skills course the Verkosto-Vatti venture aims to develop a new type of operational model for initial guidance. It also develops virtual study material applicable to a growing number of universities. The Verkosto-Vatti venture encompasses the following five Finnish universities: University of Oulu, University of Lapland, University of Vaasa, Helsinki University of Art and Design, and Lappeenranta University of Technology.