Develop Engaging Massive Open Online Resources for Designers Innovative Education Erasmus Project

Project Title

Develop Engaging Massive Open Online Resources for Designers Innovative Education

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2020

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Open and distance learning; New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses; Overcoming skills mismatches (basic/transversal)

Project Summary

The DEMO OR DIE project aims to promote Open Access to Online Training in the 3D Printing field by introducing “non-manufacturing” professionals (e.g. Health Professionals) and other potential professionals such as students from both VET and HE to embrace digital technologies such as 3D Printing. This will enable individuals and companies to directly benefit, understand the limitations and anticipate the growing challenges of an emerging technology such as 3D Printing. It will also allow introduce young professionals to adapt to multi-skilled technology careers in the industry and at the same time being able to support other sectors and health professionals during critical situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other national disasters. These unforeseen situations have strongly emphasized the need to have a much stronger connection between technology providers and health organizations, and to be resilient during these times.

The DEMO OR DIE project will focus on specific training/skills needs that were identified during the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected several countries across Europe. During the COVID-19 situation, one of the first identified needs was related to the shortage of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) that was transversal across different countries. One of the ways to tackle the shortage of PPEs was to use 3D Printers. However, there were many questions raised about the quality of the equipment produced and which type of 3D Printing process or materials could be used. These were pertinent questions that emerged and required an answer before healthcare professionals could use the manufactured PPEs. The DEMO OR DIE project will therefore contribute to increasing the level of knowledge, skills and competencies that individuals and companies will need to acquire to become proficient and confident in 3D Printing. This knowledge will include the principles of three-dimensional computer-aided-design (3D CAD) modelling, solid modelling practices, fundamental execution parameters, tools, workflow processes and operating desktop 3D Printers. In addition, transversal skills such as communication, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and teamwork will also be gained.

For future manufacturers such as students, the DEMO or DIE project will enable local communities to mitigate the impact of school closures by facilitating the continuity of education through remote learning. As most educational institutions have closed to contain the spread of COVID-19, these national closures have negatively impacted over 91% of the world’s student population (source: https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse). DEMO or DIE is innovative in a way that it answers the identified needs of online teaching and also suppressing the identified gap of knowledge in 3D printing. The project results are fully aligned with the European priorities to Promote Innovative Training Practices in the digital era, consisting of:

– Mapping of 3D printing Design Software Functionalities – IO1: Database containing Common Design Software Functionalities;
– Development of Online Course / Modules addressing from Design Rules, Materials Characteristics to Process Applicability, among other contents – IO2: E-learning Online Course / Modules on 3D Printing Design;
– Development of Innovative and Interactive Learning Activities for Design and Operations – IO3: Online Learning Activities;
– Development of Online Assessment Tools – IO4: Online Assessment Tools;
– Analysis and Adaptation of existing Platforms to accommodate the developed Learning Units and Tools – I05: Adaptation and Implementation of Learning Platforms;
– One trainers capacity building event (C1) regarding Online Course / Modules on 3D Printing Design, training materials and assessment tools;
– Seven Multiplier events (E1 to E7) with 120 participants to test and disseminate DEMO or Die Results;
– One European Conference to promote the project results and engagement with at least 50 key stakeholders from 30 EU Countries.

The project is expected to have a positive impact based on 3D Printing training. One of the biggest challenges of this manufacturing process is the connection between “end-users” and manufacturers. Overcoming this gap will be one of the main objectives of this project. The European Welding Federation (EWF) as a consortium member will ensure that the project results are maintained after the end of the programme and that they are also transferred to other European countries. EWF is currently coordinating the 3D Printing Skills Blueprint project known as SAM (www.skills4am.eu) that aims at developing and implementing a European 3D Printing Qualification System. This will ensure that the results from the DEMO or DIE project are also integrated into this Qualification System and bridges gaps in skills training identified across Europe.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 232848 Eur

Project Coordinator

FAVORITANSWER – Consultoria em Engenharia, LDA & Country: PT

Project Partners

• FUNDACION AITIIP
• BRUNEL UNIVERSITY LONDON
• EUROPEAN FEDERATION FOR WELDING JOINING AND CUTTING
• PANEPISTIMIO PATRON
• ISQ e-learning, SA