OER_ingIT - Development and testing of teaching-learning modules for the development and use of digital tools in engineering

Initial situation and problem definition

Digitalization is fundamentally changing the requirements for the training of engineers. In addition to sound specialist knowledge, IT skills are increasingly in demand in order to be able to use and develop digital tools. Today, products contain integrated information processing, making software solutions an integral part of engineering work. Traditional teaching formats often reach their limits when it comes to teaching these skills - especially in heterogeneous, international student groups with different levels of prior knowledge. In addition, there is often a lack of suitable, openly available teaching materials (OER) that enable practice-oriented and self-directed learning. This results in the need to develop modern, adaptable and interactive teaching-learning concepts that systematically combine IT knowledge with engineering problems.

Project goals

The aim of the OER_ingIT project is to develop modular, interactive teaching-learning modules (LLM) that teach computer science basics, programming and software tools for engineering applications. Students should be enabled to use digital tools effectively or to develop their own solutions through problem-oriented scenarios. The LLMs are designed in such a way that they enable individual learning paths depending on previous knowledge and can be used internationally thanks to their multilingualism. In addition, teachers are to be supported in the development of digitally supported learning opportunities. The modules provided as OER are integrated into courses, evaluated and made available in the long term via the twillo portal.

Solution approach

The project will implement an innovative teaching-learning concept that combines interactive, multimedia learning materials with a problem- and action-oriented approach. Technically, the implementation is based on Jupyter Notebook/Lab, which enables the integration of different LLM within a consistent learning environment. The modules combine content from computer science, modeling and digital tools and specifically address different learning requirements. Interactive simulations, videos and visual elements promote learning success and enable independent, flexible learning. In a three-phase project structure, the didactic concept, requirements and production structures are first developed, then LLM is created and piloted in courses at TU Braunschweig and TU Clausthal. An accompanying evaluation ensures quality and transferability. In addition, existing OER will be analyzed and synergies exploited. The results, including the LLM, will be made openly accessible via the twillo portal. This creates a sustainable contribution to digital teaching in engineering.