Digitisation in education and research enables new forms of location-independent networking of laboratory infrastructures. This involves mastering technical, organisational and didactic challenges. A research consortium consisting of the University of Applied Sciences Stuttgart (HFT), the Bremian Institute for Production and Logistics (BIBA), the Institute for Knowledge Media (IWM) of the University of Koblenz-Landau, RWTH Aachen and the University of Parma is meeting these challenges in the project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
In the research project Open Digital Lab for You (DigiLab4U for short), real laboratories are digitised, linked with virtual components and the synergies between the two approaches are explored. Augmented Reality can help to close the gap between the "virtual" and "real" experience. Methods of engineering education and serious gaming are combined using learning analytics, mixed/ augmented reality and open badges to form a unique holistic approach in a hybrid learning and research environment.
DigiLab4U provides location-independent access to a digitised and networked learning and research environment. Multi-user scenarios as well as individual self-directed learning will be supported. For example, students of the HFT Stuttgart can access laboratories at the BIBA and the University of Parma. The exchange of experiences in research and teaching is promoted beyond the boundaries of individual institutes. As the long title Open Digital Lab for You suggests, the inclusion of further laboratories is planned. There is a considerable need for research on this forward-looking approach from a technical, didactic and organisational point of view.
DigiLab4U is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, funding code: 16DHB2112 (duration 01.10.2018 - 31.03.2022).
Contacts
- Hochschule für Technik (HFT) Stuttgart, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dieter Uckelmann (coordinator)
- BIBA Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dieter Thoben
- Institut für Wissensmedien (IWM) Koblenz, Dr. Peter Ferdinand
- RWTH Aachen, Prof. Dr. Ulrik Schroeder
- University of Parma, Prof. Massimo Bertolini, PhD
