openHPI

What openHPI is

openHPI is Hasso Plattner Institute’s online learning platform for interactive courses in information and communication technology. Founded in 2012 and based in Potsdam, Germany, it offers courses on IT, design thinking, and digital health, created by HPI professors and research assistants. Course materials can include videos, texts, quizzes, practical tasks, homework, and reading. Learners can discuss topics with instructors and other participants in course forums and collaboration spaces. Courses are mainly in German and English, and there are no formal admission restrictions. Registration requires a valid email address. Depending on the course and performance, participants may receive a certificate or confirmation of participation. Archived courses can be used for self-study, but evaluated tasks and achievement records or certificates are unavailable in archive mode. Participation is web-based and usually requires no additional software; course videos need a fast internet connection. The platform has Android and iOS apps, but learning is not available offline. Standard courses are free, while Executive Education courses are fee-based through HPI Academy. Its source code is available under an AGPL open-source license, with Xikolo code linked on GitHub.

Who it suits

openHPI suits learners interested in IT, design thinking, or digital health courses, including people without formal admission qualifications. It can also suit those who value course discussions and possible certificates, provided they can study online and meet the course’s schedule where applicable.

Limits

Archived courses support self-study, but evaluated tasks and records of achievement or certificates are unavailable in archive mode. Executive Education courses are fee-based through HPI Academy; standard courses are free.

Getting started

1. Open the openHPI website or use its Android or iOS app.
2. Register with a valid email address.
3. Choose a course; standard courses are free, while Executive Education courses are fee-based through HPI Academy.
4. Use the course forum for course-specific questions or the helpdesk for general questions.

Verdict

Choose openHPI for free standard courses in IT, design thinking, or digital health, with learning materials and course discussions. It may be less suitable if you need offline study or assessed completion in archived courses. Executive Education is a separate fee-based option through HPI Academy.