Learning for Life – Celebrating 10 years of TU Delft Extension School
I believe in a culture where it is the most normal thing in the world to keep developing and to keep learning throughout one’s life
―
Minister Mariëlle Paul
With these words, the Dutch Minister for Primary and Secondary Education addressed TU Delft staff, guests, and speakers, at the Learning for Life Symposium held on 4 April to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the TU Delft Extension School for Continuing Education. And what a difference ten years can make!
L-R: Vice-Rector Magnificus Rob Mudde and Minister Mariëlle Paul (photo: Roy Borghouts)
The symposium provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on 10 years of growth and dedication together with the people who were there at the beginning when it was just an Innovation Programme at TU Delft, as well as with those individuals who have since joined the Extension School – amongst them the 400+ lecturers involved in online courses – as it has grown and been embedded in the University Corporate Office.
Vice-Rector Magnificus and Vice-President Rob Mudde captured our mission perfectly in his address to the audience, when he said, “Creating and sharing knowledge is the essence of what we do, and we are passionate about highlighting the power of science, engineering, and design as agents of transformation”. As an educator, you will likely recognise yourself in those words.
Then and now
It is with that passion that the Extension School launched, seeking to expand the ways of reaching learners, beyond traditional students on campus. Then with just two MOOCs on the edX platform – Solar Energy, and Drinking Water Treatment, the portfolio now boasts over 250 (online) courses and 50 programmes. Motivationally, a staggering 4.3 million learners have benefitted from the world-class education provided by TU Delft lecturers.
Both the minister and Mudde emphasised in their presentations that Lifelong Learning is now more essential than ever to tackle the mounting challenges facing society together. Since 2023 a core part of the university’s strategy, the Extension School has been tasked with the responsibility of carrying out Lifelong Learning and was even awarded a €2 million grant to ensure its professionalisation at TU Delft. A collective effort will mean, however, that Lifelong Learning should to be adopted throughout the University.
Sustainable future
In his Keynote, Professor Jackson raised the stakes just a little more for all of us at TU Delft to continue to build on the legacy established in the last ten years. He talked about the significant role that educators play at this critical junction in human history in helping people develop in ways that not only fulfil present personal, economic, and societal needs but also ensure that they contribute to a sustainable future beyond their own existence.
Norman Jackson (photo: Roy Borghouts)
Willem van Valkenburg (photo: Roy Borghouts)
At the Extension School we believe we are already well-placed to answer the challenge Professor Jackson lays down, “our offer covers key areas of expertise, focussing on themes of societal relevance,” says Willem van Valkenburg, Executive Director “equipping engineers with interdisciplinary skills and competencies to be the changemakers the world needs”. Importantly. we don’t need learners to be here in The Netherlands to be able to benefit from TU Delft’s world-class education.
Impact
Curious about the impact we’ve had so far? Explore the symposium showreel showcasing testimonials and insights from previous learners who have been empowered by our courses below. You may recognise someone on whom you have made a lasting impression if your course is on our site.
As educators at TU Delft, driven by a desire for knowledge dissemination, we invite you to join our endeavour and be an educator that professionals keep turning back to for skills. If you would like to know more about Lifelong Learning or how to propose a course that aligns directly with current societal demands, have a look at our call for proposals page.
On to the next ten years!
See the symposium page – for the detailed programme, including video, photos, and presentations.
