Digital Learning Ecosystem: Online Concept for Engineering Education

This article examines the development of a Digital Learning Ecosystem (DLE) for engineering education, supported by online learning, within the framework of Erasmus+ international educational projects. We hypothesize that a DLE can address the challenges posed by rapid technological changes associated with Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, thus transforming engineering education to meet modern industry needs. Building on the earlier Erasmus+ CybPhys project, which established a Sharing Modelling and Simulation Environment (SMSE) for digitalizing online technical courses, the DIGITRANS project aims to enhance this architecture to include remote laboratories through the Sharing Remote Experiment Environment (SREE) platform. The project involves acquiring hardware and open-source software for SREE and establishing two physical remote laboratories. A study conducted in spring 2023, using the Technology Acceptance Model framework, indicated positive student perceptions of SMSE, with students believing it would enhance learning outcomes and expressing intentions to use the platform frequently. The efficacy of the DLE in addressing technological advancement challenges will be further evaluated through post-ante assessments and feedback from prospective employers and stakeholders, focusing on the implementation of industry recommendations and the correlation between pre- and post-implementation survey responses from industry and academic experts.