When the Learning Lab Embraces Digitalisation: The Development of a Digital Learning Lab for the SMILE Project

Abstract

The impact COVID-19 generated on people routine linked with the rapid digitalization has led the educational approach to the need of a fundamental shift. In response to these evolving circumstances, SMILE (Smart Manufacturing Innovation, Learning-Labs, and Entrepreneurship) has undertaken a comprehensive initiative in order to move from the traditional learning labs towards digital ones. This digital transformation aims to enhance students’ learning experiences and problem-solving capabilities by leveraging technologies and innovative approaches. Digital Learning Nuggets are central to this paradigm shift, which are small units of interactive and engaging educational content. These nuggets have proven instrumental in augmenting students’ comprehension and retention of subject matter while fostering a more personalized learning journey. Moreover, the integration of MIRO, a collaborative software platform, further drives students’ learning by facilitating interactive discussions and fostering teamwork in a virtual environment. SMILE’s digital learning lab (SMILE DLL) serves as the foundation for the upcoming Hackathon, an event characterized by the collaboration between academia and industry. In collaboration with various companies, this experiential learning initiative offers students the opportunity to tackle problems posed by these organizations. Participants gain invaluable insights into real-world applications of their knowledge and are better equipped to address complex issues in a professional context. The Hackathon represents the link between academia and industry, fostering a dynamic environment where students can apply theoretical concepts in order to solve real problems. This immersive learning experience not only fosters their critical thinking and analytical skills but also nurtures creativity, adaptability, and teamwork, paramount attributes for today’s competitive job market. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Keywords

Author Keywords

education Smart Manufacturing Digital learning lab

Index Keywords

E-learning Students Problem-solving COVID-19 Virtual reality Laboratories Digital transformation Smart manufacturing Educational approach Student learning experiences Digital-learning Flow control Learning problem Digital learning lab Manufacturing innovation Traditional learning

Author Affiliations

Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, MI, Italy

Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, MI, Italy, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS di Pavia, Pavia, PV, Italy

Funding & Acknowledgements

European Commission, EC

Funding text 1: This project has received funding from EIT RawMaterials under grant agreement ID 10044 (correspondent to the project shortly entitled “SMILE”, “Smart Manufacturing Innovation, Learning-Labs, and Entrepreneurship”). This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy – Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 – D.D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.; Funding text 2: Acknowledgements. This project has received funding from EIT RawMaterials under grant agreement ID 10044 (correspondent to the project shortly entitled “SMILE”, “Smart Manufacturing Innovation, Learning-Labs, and Entrepreneurship”).; Funding text 3: This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy – Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 – D.D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.

EIT RawMaterials

Grant: ID 10044

Funding text 1: This project has received funding from EIT RawMaterials under grant agreement ID 10044 (correspondent to the project shortly entitled “SMILE”, “Smart Manufacturing Innovation, Learning-Labs, and Entrepreneurship”). This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy – Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 – D.D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.; Funding text 2: Acknowledgements. This project has received funding from EIT RawMaterials under grant agreement ID 10044 (correspondent to the project shortly entitled “SMILE”, “Smart Manufacturing Innovation, Learning-Labs, and Entrepreneurship”).; Funding text 3: This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy – Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 – D.D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.

EIT RawMaterials

Funding text 1: This project has received funding from EIT RawMaterials under grant agreement ID 10044 (correspondent to the project shortly entitled “SMILE”, “Smart Manufacturing Innovation, Learning-Labs, and Entrepreneurship”). This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy – Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 – D.D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.; Funding text 2: Acknowledgements. This project has received funding from EIT RawMaterials under grant agreement ID 10044 (correspondent to the project shortly entitled “SMILE”, “Smart Manufacturing Innovation, Learning-Labs, and Entrepreneurship”).; Funding text 3: This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy – Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 – D.D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.

Grant: PE00000004, 1551.11-10-2022

Funding text 1: This project has received funding from EIT RawMaterials under grant agreement ID 10044 (correspondent to the project shortly entitled “SMILE”, “Smart Manufacturing Innovation, Learning-Labs, and Entrepreneurship”). This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy – Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 – D.D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.; Funding text 2: Acknowledgements. This project has received funding from EIT RawMaterials under grant agreement ID 10044 (correspondent to the project shortly entitled “SMILE”, “Smart Manufacturing Innovation, Learning-Labs, and Entrepreneurship”).; Funding text 3: This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy – Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 – D.D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.

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When the Learning Lab Embraces Digitalisation: The Development of a Digital Learning Lab for the SMILE Project

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