The DigiTwin4TEACH-Project

This requires trainees and participants in vocational training to have important skills in the field of digitalization as well as the ability to independently develop learning content for their future tasks in the operational environment. In order for learners to acquire these skills, it is necessary for training staff to be up to date with the latest technology and to be able to create and work with digital twins themselves.

In an educational landscape that is increasingly characterized by digital progress, the future also lies in the further development of digital tools in schools in order to keep pace with the rapid pace of development. One of these pillars is digital twin technology, which allows a simulative view of real situations and can provide information about problems in later production at an early stage.

With the help of CAD models, which are assigned physical and movable properties, machines and complete production systems can be tested for full functionality before they are produced. In addition, the physical properties of objects and experiments can be simulated and researched.

In addition, learners in vocational schools can use a digital twin to continuously train their skills in areas such as automation technology, as no large hardware purchases are required. The digital twin can therefore also be used regardless of location, as it can be implemented at home on the PC or in the classroom or laboratory.

The motivation for the project idea is the fundamental technical progress in this area of technology. After more than two years of intensive research and teaching in this area at our vocational schools, we see a great advantage in the technology of the digital twin. It is absolutely state of the art and for this reason should not be missing from any vocational training or course of study.

However, based on our previous experience in this area, we must also conclude that the technology itself is complex and can be very challenging for many teachers without some external support.

We would therefore like to use the knowledge we have already gained to pave the way for as many teachers as possible and open up access to this pioneering technology. Thanks to the experience and expertise already gained in our educational institutions, to set up a comprehensive series of training courses for teachers and those responsible for training, which provides a broad foundation for the topic of digital twins and gradually teaches them in an appropriately didactic way.