DigiLab4U

The joint project DigiLab4U develops, tests and evaluates a digitalised laboratory environment that enables the cross-location networking of real and virtual laboratory facilities. The aim is to develop an integrated, hybrid learning and research environment as an educational offering that can be used by bachelor students up to doctoral students. The use of Learning Analytics (LA), Serious Gaming and Open Badges is taken into account.

How should hybrid networked laboratory environments be designed in terms of business management, organisation, technology and didactic methods in order to promote their use across universities and institutions?

In the DigiLab4U research project, real laboratories are digitized, linked with virtual components and the synergies between the two approaches are explored. Augmented reality can help to bridge the gap between the "virtual" and "real" experience. For use in research and teaching, methods of engineering learning and serious gaming are combined using learning analytics, mixed/augmented reality and open badges. In this combination, the project forms a unique holistic approach within a hybrid learning and research environment. It enables location-independent access to a digitized and networked learning and research environment. For example, students of the HFT Stuttgart can access laboratories at the University of Parma or BIBA. The exchange of experience in research and teaching is promoted beyond the boundaries of the institute. As the long title of the project Open Digital Lab for You suggests, the inclusion of further laboratories is planned.

From a technical, didactic as well as an organisational point of view, there is a considerable need for research within the framework of this innovative approach with regard to the conception, implementation and evaluation of a networked digitised learning and research environment for laboratories. In addition to the technical challenges and questions that will have to be overcome in the coming years, new paths will also be taken in didactics. Thus, the amount of static and dynamic data generated with the help of LA should in future provide insights into the learning behaviour of students and stimulate feedback, as well as providing timely analyses and visualisations. From an organizational perspective, DigiLab4U will, among other things, examine the question of what a modern business model for digital offerings could look like.