Virtual Learning Environment of the German Armed Forces (VLBw)

The aim of the “Virtual Learning Environment of the German Armed Forces (VLBw)” (in German: “Virtuelle Lernumgebung der Bundeswehr”) project is to create a comprehensive learning ecosystem for all training facilities and digital functions of the German Bundeswehr. The German Armed Forces is one of the largest employers in Germany and has around 130 training centres. It plays an important role in adult education and training

Existing isolated solutions and the pilot system will be transferred as part of the project and all digital training activities will be bundled on a single, central platform based on pCloudBw. This project page provides a translated and shortened description of the project. More detailed information can be found here.

Fraunhofer FOKUS' Common Learning Middleware in the VLBw

Within the VLBw, the Fraunhofer Common Learning Middleware (CLM) from our business unit Future Applications and Media (FAME) is used to meet several requirements at once.

With the support of various service types (tool, LTI and LOM providers), we can ensure an interoperable learning infrastructure. A service provides functional elements such as digital learning content or AI functions that comply with current specifications and standards. The data flows between these functional elements are also orchestrated via the CLM, and a user interface is provided for simplification. The strict guidelines for cross-network data flows are also taken into account.

The ability to register and orchestrate different services enables the implementation of the requirements for different, modular digital learning experiences within the VLBw. Role and rights management, i.e. who is allowed to access which services in which roles, can also be controlled via the CLM. Single sign-on (SSO) is also guaranteed, which is a particular challenge given the various networks and identity providers used by the VLBw. The organization of learner enrollment in training courses can also be automated via CLM.

A CLM instance is used for the local training environment for each network within the VLBw, from open offerings to digital enclaves. One of the most exciting challenges of the project is networking these training environments into one technological ecosystem (federated network) for the German Armed Forces.

Fraunhofer FOKUS has been supporting the project partners BWI GmbH and TriCat GmbH since 2022 in the implementation and introduction of the VLBw.