Education 4.0 Engineering student learning environments including Virtual labs and the development of Digital Twins

Streamed Session

Watch This Session

Brief Abstract

The Pandemic has caused very creative solutions and accelerated the development of education learning environments. This presentation will explore the development of engineering learning environments and the enhancements made to address these challenges for today and future careers

Presenters

Extended Abstract

Education 4.0 Engineering student learning environments including Virtual labs and the development of Digital Twins 

 

Relevancy: In Higher Education, there is the need to help people (students) prepare for current and future careers with lifelong learning skills. This presentation helps to address some of these issues and lessons learned from seemingly ever-changing environments.

 

Interactivity Plan:

Using Discovery Asynchronous format, people will be able to interact by leaving comments or questions and responses to the information presented asynchronously. This method will allow participants explore and review the material at a rate that would better match their needs. 

 

Discussion:

It would seem from current experience; we need to adapt to a normal of constant change.

With various course modalities, adjusting to various environmental conditions, and changing technology, we need to stay focused on student learning. This presentation will address student learning using technology and techniques to adapt to changing student learning needs.

Learned lessons from COVID remote and online teaching challenges are presented. The Pandemic has caused very creative solutions and accelerated the development of education 4.0 learning environments. This presentation will explore the development of engineering learning environments and the enhancements made to address pandemic challenges. Including incorporating Virtual Labs as part of the learning environment.  

Remote and online learning skills are well positioning our students for current and future work environment. Teleconferencing software like Zoom has been adapted for students to interact and engage each other on technology that would be difficult in the traditional classroom.  However, this does not just happen. The design of the learning environment is different than just presenting information to a group. Tools and skills must be developed within a learning situation focused on an outcome or outcomes like a project. This provides a context for learning the skills needed to accomplish the tasks for an end goal like a project.

The concept and practice of developing digital twins (or clones) helps students build their own confidence and re-enforces key learning concepts.

The course design includes many different approaches and builds on a team approach with diversity, inclusion, and universal design for learning.

Examples are presented and explored in the presentation.

Takeaways:

  • How technology and techniques can help facilitate learning environments (engineering given as an example)
  • How Digital twin development needs to be done early in the design phase, helping to re-enforce student learning
  • Designing in Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility into the course 
  • How to address issues of student learning; engagement, confidence, and cheating.