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Project Reference: 2020-1-EE01-KA203-077970, duration 11.2020-04.2023
The goal of the project VirSTEM - Virtual technology for use in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is to create an international open educational resource – the online course "Fundamentals of Modelling and 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 distance service training for 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 a great need for modern teaching materials with the integration of BIM objects and with interactive learning materials that would include 3D objects' models. 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 individual learning using high-quality interactive learning materials.
The online course will become a prototype of a new concept of modern intellectual education.
The VirSTEM project will use the most up-to-date information and communication technology methodologies. The emphasis will be on the development and improvement of virtual learning techniques, of assessment of learning outcomes. The project will focus on the creation and promotion of combined and flexible learning paths with the 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 is being developed by five well-known higher education institutions that teach engineering in the countries around the Baltic sea - TTK UAS Estonia - coordinator,
and partners - VGTU Lithuania, RTU Latvia, TAMK UAS and Metropolia UAS Finland. These universities have long-term successful partnerships in civil engineering in teaching construction specialities.
Project teams consist of experienced teachers who are highly skilled experts in the field of BIM modelling with precious practical experience and good project management skills.
The expected impact of innovative educational material with BIM integration:
The expected impact of innovative educational material with BIM integration:
- the inclusion of BIM in existing academic subjects can help increase the competencies of students - future specialists and their competitiveness, engineering thinking skills are
acquired in a playful way and reinforced by interactive exercises and tests,
- connection with modern technologies used - students' participation in ongoing work projects using BIM provides an opportunity for more in-depth learning, cooperation in a group of
students, with a construction industry organization,
- the quality of the learning process improves,
- creating an opportunity to update and develop curricula taking into account modern construction industry needs,
- all partners will use the freely available online course,
- interested stakeholders will receive modern high-quality educational material for use in blended learning and for self- work of learners.
The innovation of the VirSTEM project
The innovation of the VirSTEM project
to introduce BIM technology already into the first-year subjects of Bachelor level engineering studies,
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 for developing the potential for innovation.
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.
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