New Perspectives in Science Education

This abstract describes an ongoing project that is a game changer for learning and development in the AgriTech sector. The REEdI project offers an agile and innovative learning programme providing personalised, flexible and tailored options to diverse learner cohorts; from school leavers to graduating apprentices, to upskilling industry professionals and mature students. Building on the success of world-leading cutting-edge models of engineering pedagogy, REEdI combines an innovative method of content delivery with new immersive technologies to deliver a transformative programme of self-directed and self-scheduled learning for the next generation of engineers. With REEdI, learners will navigate a novel online learning map and complete subject branches, in their own time, at their own location, choosing material to suit their individual and unique needs. The project is truly innovative, drawing on international best practice in the field of engineering education.The programme will enable a student-centered, project-centric and technologically innovative approach to undergraduate programme provision, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge required to ensure they are capable of navigating the future challenges and disruptive technologies faced by the manufacturing sector in Ireland. REEdI has three central pillars: eLearning, projects, and performance planning and review; all bracketed by innovations in pedagogies and technologies. REEdI is developed on a world leading model of self-directed, project-centric learning developed by Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, NSW, Australia. The novelty or additions in the REEdI approach includes the use of Virtual Reality and Augmented reality(VR/AR) in supporting the education of student engineers along with access to world class Science Foundation Ireland research centers (CONFIRM, LERO, and IMaR). This affords a wealth of advantages in undergraduate engineering education provision. The REEdI approach aims to be positively disruptive and transformative, with a vision to set the agenda for engineering education nationally. The manufacturing sector in Ireland was selected to pilot the REEdI approach. The sector is identified as a priority growth area locally, regionally and nationally. The pilot programme selected is a BEng/ MEng in Manufacturing Engineering, with Industry-led content designed and developed throughout the programme. This is in response to an urgent need for the manufacturing sector to close the gap between undergraduate engineering education and the skills needs of a rapidly advancing manufacturing sector. It is also becoming increasingly important to involve employers in the development and provision of learning to ensure its relevance to the needs of the workplace. REEdI will achieve this through Industry appointments to a steering committee/advisory board, industry involvement in curriculum design & through the appointment of Engineering Fellows.

Keywords: Engineering Education, Virtual/Augmented reality, eLearning, transversal skills.

References:

• Graham, R. 2018. The Global state of the art in engineering education. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Report, Massachusetts, USA.