Engineering education has always embraced advances in technology. Engineering students have moved from chalkboard lectures to the possibilities of the immersive digital classroom, and have the opportunity to be engaged with technology in one way or another.
In recent years, the growing popularity of digital learning platforms has fundamentally influenced the way engineering students and engineers obtain knowledge, practice, and progress the skills required for practice, and respond to the constantly advancing industry landscape.
As sectors like energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, and maritime becoming increasingly complex, there is an increasing need for easier, more efficient, and scalable methods of training. Digital platforms are fulfilling these demands, providing novel opportunities for the global learner.
In this article, we’ll discuss the increasing presence of digital learning platforms in engineering education today, their advantages, and how organizations like saVRee are shaping the future of technical training.
The Shift from Traditional to Digital Engineering Education
For many decades, engineering training was driven largely by traditional classroom and workshop learning; while this will always have a role to play, still restricted by the availability of resources, location, and cost.
Training in the past was regional, using expensive equipment, knowledgeable facilitators, and consisted of a dedicated venue; all of which were challenging to scale or expand for wider access.
Digital learning has challenged traditional learning methods by disrupting traditional learning through providing learning resources and the ability to engage with online actively and simulated modules that replicate real-life situations.
Learners can then access their learning resources when they want, where they want, without being present in the traditional classroom.
Why Digital Learning Platforms are Transforming Engineering Education
1. Accessibility and Flexibility
One of the many benefits of digital platforms is accessibility. Engineering professionals from diverse locations and industries can now take niche training programs without relocating or taking time away from their busy work schedules.
Online platforms also afford a level of ‘self-paced’ learning style that makes it much easier to do than scheduling training around busy work commitments.
2. Content that is Interactive and Engaging
Digital platforms provide more than just static PDFs and video lectures; many platforms provide 3D models, animations, and simulations that mimic the physical engineering environments.
Improved user engagement is generated when students interact with models and visualizations, which create practical and realistic experiential learning experiences.
For instance, saVRee provides interactive 3D models and courses in engineering, and provides engineering professionals the opportunity to visualize complicated engineering systems and processes in a way that books cannot.
3. Cost Effectiveness
Training in engineering disciplines often requires expensive machinery, laboratories, and on-the-ground work.
Industrial digital learning systems make it possible to effectively eliminate the costs of physical training by utilizing a virtual simulated environment in which experts can transfer knowledge and practice based on experience without associated costs.
4. Global Collaboration and Standardization.
Nothing provides higher quality training than online digital learning, where people train and learn from the same course material, anywhere, at any time in their day.
Having a consistent standard of learning for learners in Europe or Asia, or Africa means their global training is also consistently comparable.
But further, the capabilities improve with online digital learning systems, as cross-border collaboration is possible, allowing engineers to share ideas and experiences globally.
Digital Learning in Specialized Fields
Engineering education takes many forms: mechanical, civil, marine, and facilities management are but a few areas of study.
Each field presents its own distinct challenges and learning opportunities; therefore, it is advantageous to have access to digital platforms to tailor development for businesses.
Facilities Management Training
Facilities management is an area where digital learning has been particularly useful. Facilities managers are responsible for the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of institutions with disparate applications depending upon approach and operational stigma.
The learning and awareness of facilities management training, to some degree, may include knowledge about engineering systems, knowledge of regulatory safety parameters, and environmental compliance.
Learning for facilities management often can be sourced through programs such as saVRee or by using digital learning that provides sector specialization with relevant professional their education is based on learning as operating or learning for operation.
Accessing online facilities management courses involves effectively using a digital or online learning platform for training. It also allows industry professionals the update their learning and awareness of best practices in their industry so they may comply with laws or regulations, in an online, moderated environment without having to spend a lot of money attending classroom-based training courses.
The Role of saVRee in Engineering Education
saVRee has become a leader in digital engineering training with specialist interactive courses in a variety of disciplines, ranging from power engineering, marine engineering, oil and gas, and facilities management. saVRee’s interactive 3D models and simulations enable technical concepts to come alive as they couldn’t using other methods of teaching.
Combining instruction and visualization tools, saVRee guarantees that learners have a sound understanding of the theoretical components, as well as the ability to use this in practice; be it understanding the operations of a turbine, or understanding how facilities systems are managed. The saVRee training is able to connect the theory to the practice.
Benefits for Engineering Professionals and Organizations
The growing presence of digital learning platforms delivers obvious advantages for individuals and even for companies and organizations:
- For Individuals: They are able to upskill or reskill with no geographical or financial considerations, students can learn at their own pace, or select courses that meet their career goals.
- For Organizations: Organizations can train their employees more effectively, at a lower cost, and offer a uniform learning experience. Digital platforms also include tracking and analytics to enable organizations to assess the progress and development of their staff’s skill set.
The Future of Digital Learning in Engineering
The direction of engineering education is clear-digital learning will continue to grow in number and importance.
As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) find their way onto new online platforms, they will even more enable both immersive and personalized online learning.
For example, imagine engineering students being able to weave through a power plant virtually, referencing machinery, and practicing troubleshooting on their laptop or VR headset. This level of immersion no longer sits in the realm of science fiction, but soon likely will be made available in the physical world.
For industries such as facilities management, maritime, and oil and gas, these developments mean it is possible to create training that is better, safer, and much more efficacious, and the ability to develop at scale.
Conclusion
Digital platforms are transforming the world of engineering education. By removing barriers of cost, location, and accessibility, these platforms allow high-quality training to be delivered to professionals worldwide.
The digitization of learning experiences is creating more effective, engaging, and hands-on learning experiences that help prepare engineers for the opportunities and challenges in the industries of today.
With trusted providers like saVRee, learners can take programs that include access to online learning facilities management courses, and through that get high-value, relevant knowledge and skills.
As technology progresses, we can expect all forms of digital learning to develop further and allow the next generation of engineers ways to learn, adapt, and succeed.