A hybrid teaching factory model towards personalized education 4.0
Dimitris Mourtzis, Nikos Panopoulos, John Angelopoulos
Abstract
Hybrid classrooms have become more and more common during the pandemic. Digital technologies have accelerated the transition into the university of the future. Digital Twins technology, one of the trending technologies related to Industry 4.0, helps faculty to create simulation models based on course requirements. Universities are still facing the challenging issue to offer high quality learning opportunities without risking participants’ health. Towards that end, the current study presents a Hybrid Model under the Teaching Factory framework concept that has been successfully implemented and validated. In four hybrid case studies, Engineering students guided remotely laboratory personnel towards a successful manufacture and assembly of a customized projects assignments as well as completed training webinars in the field of Maintenance and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). The results show that pedagogical dimensions were extended. Besides technology, innovative pedagogy, and learning environments, this study added two constructs: sustained support and cyber safety. Collaboration is required at different levels; meanwhile, cyber safety is highlighted to ensure healthy digital learning environments.