Programme: Erasmus+
Key Action: Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education
Project: 586297-EPP-1-2017-1-EL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP
Start Date: 2017
End Date: 2020
EU Grant: EU Grant for TU-Gabrovo: 36 205.00 EUR
Project web site: http://projectalien.eu/
Coordinator: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF GABROVO
Contact Person: Tsvetelina Petrova
Partners:
- Instituto Politécnico do Portо;
- University of Central Lancashire;
- Tallinn University;
- Technical University of Gabrovo;
- University of Malaya;
- Universiti Tenaga Nasional;
- Isra University Pakistan;
- Hanoi University;
- Viet Nam National University - Ho Chi Minh City;
- Hanoi University of Science and Technology;
- University of Battambang;
- Institute of Technology of Cambodia;
- Meanchey University, Institute of Engineering;
- Tribhuvan University;
- Kathmandu University.
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
Traditional learning methodologies based on passive transmission of information, fail to develop a set of competences that students require for their professional life and their relation with the surrounding Society. Therefore, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are required to modernize their pedagogical methodologies, moving into active learning processes whereby students engage in activities that promote higher order learning skills like analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Project and Problem-based learning (PBL) are active and learner-centred methodologies in which students develop their knowledge and competences by following a problem solving process, usually based on real-life situations. The identified benefits for engineering and technology students are considerable improvements in critical, lateral and creative thinking, problem solving strategies, intrinsic motivation, group collaboration, communication skills, entrepreneurship and integration with the society. Supporting active learning through ICT tools (virtual social communities, games and VR/AR simulations) creates Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) where the new technologically-savvy generation of students feels comfortable.
The objective of the ALIEN (Active Learning In Engineering education) project is thus to design, implement and validate an active learning methodology based on PBL (Project/Problem) environments addressing real-life issues related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts. The methodology will be supported by a VLE including a set of digital tools like simulations and games that will allow students to experiment, collaborate and communicate in an extended and multinational learning community that will also include other stakeholders like teachers and researchers.
This platform will be used to scaffold learning for higher education engineering and technology students.
