Virtual Technology for use in STEM Erasmus Project

Project Title

Virtual Technology for use in STEM

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 higher education

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; ICT – new technologies – digital competences

Project Summary

The goal of the project VirSTEM – Virtual technology for use in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is to create an international freely available educational resource – online course “Basic Engineering Graphics” 3 ECTS which innovatively integrates BIM (Building Information Modelling). The course will be designed for Bachelor level Engineering students of Construction specialities, both daily and distance learners, as well as in-service training of specialists.

Modern developing technologies in the construction industry are highly based on BIM and demand significant changes in the education of engineers. Monitoring of construction courses indicated lack of modern teaching materials with the integration of BIM objects and with interactive learning materials that would include 3D objects’ simulators. Moreover, considering the current global situation of physical distancing, a new approach to the education of specialists is necessary, in which the leading role will be given to distance and independent learning using high-quality interactive learning materials.

The “Basic Engineering Graphics” course will consist of interactive learning material to get acquainted with BIM programs, to acquire practical skills in computer and engineering graphics, and modelling, and provide a better-fitted workforce for enterprises. The course that consists of 6 related thematic modules, includes simulations of three-dimensional objects, short video-guides, interactive exercises for students’ study and practice, tests, and innovative intelligent rating system with feedback and certification.

The use of educational material of the e-course in learning various STEM subjects enables to link parametric information about the studied objects and provides a solid basis of engineering education. The online course is very efficient due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness and form of the game. Mobile learning expands the scope of distance learning by providing access to quality content regardless of the time and place of training – so the course will reduce the need for teaching in the classroom.

The innovation of the VirSTEM project is to introduce BIM technology already into the first-year subjects of Bachelor level engineering studies. The project plans to create and use simulations of three-dimensional objects both for an interactive course in engineering graphics and for other basic engineering courses. The simultaneous use of a three-dimensional model of an object in the study of basic technical subjects with BIM integration is innovative and will enhance interdisciplinary communication, ensure a better understanding of goals and enables the use of objects for various purposes in various conditions. Engineering thinking skills are acquired in an interactive playful way, providing a fundamental basis for target groups for future BIM technology use, for training to support creative thinking in everyday work and developing the potential for innovation.

The online course will become a prototype of a new concept of modern intellectual education. In its approach to learning, it will help to:
– reduce the need for human and material resources for acquiring fundamental knowledge in basic technical subjects and the initial use of BIM,
– open up the possibility for more in-depth teaching of special subjects at the next stages of undergraduate education,
– help enterprises accelerate the training / professional development of working personnel on the job,
– provide high-quality and innovative training material for beginners of construction specialities and interested users of BIM regardless of their level of education, material or physical capability.

The VirSTEM project will use the most up-to-date information and communication technology methodologies. The emphasis will be on development and improvement of virtual learning techniques, of assessment of learning outcomes. The project will focus on creation and promotion of combined and flexible learning paths with use of groups’ and mobile learning, and providing opportunities for learner’s choice and creativity, supporting and feedback as drivers of his/her development.

The VirSTEM project will be carried out by the team of 5 well-known higher education institutions that teach engineering in the countries around the Baltic sea – TTK UAS Estonia, VGTU Lithuania, RTU Latvia, TAMK UAS and Metropolia UAS Finland. These universities have long-term successful partnerships in the field of civil engineering in teaching construction specialities. Project teams consist of experienced teachers who are highly skilled experts in the field of BIM modelling with very valuable practical experience as well as good project management skills.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 174036 Eur

Project Coordinator

TALLINNA TEHNIKAKORGKOOL & Country: EE

Project Partners

• VILNIAUS GEDIMINO TECHNIKOS UNIVERSITETAS
• TAMPEREEN AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU OY
• METROPOLIA AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU OY
• RIGAS TEHNISKA UNIVERSITATE