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Description
Context/Background of project:
The recent worldwide disruption of conventional education methods caused by the COVID-19 generated crisis has indisputably highlighted the need for modern teaching methodologies that can immerse the students in engaging environments fit for active learning.
Problems/Challenges and solutions:
The screen-bound level of engagement during online classes allows a limited channel of interaction that can make students lose focus and interest on the long term. In contrast, immersive Mixed Reality environments enhance the learning experience by diversifying the stimuli and create dynamic sessions that appeal to both the student and the professor.
Objectives:
1) Develop immersive e-learning Mixed Reality modules dedicated to Medical Engineering training
2) Create an innovative interdisciplinary digital learning curriculum aimed to expand the knowledge of Medical Engineering students or bring up-to-par the knowledge of those lacking the educational background
3) Perform pilot testing of the produced content for students at diffeerent stages in their academic qualifications
4) Raise awareness on the new innovative teaching methodologies by running an active dissemination plan
5) Strengthening bilateral relationships at Higher Education Institution
Summary of project results
The collaboration between the Romanian and Icelandic partners allowed for the identification and resolution of specific issues related to the implementation of Mixed Reality in education. The sharing of experience, know-how, and collaborative problem-solving enhanced the effectiveness of the project, leading to joint results that might have been challenging to achieve independently. The collaboration fostered a deeper understanding of each other''s academic and research strengths, methodologies, and approaches.
The overall implementation of the REALME project has been generally smooth, marked by relatively effective communication and collaboration among project partners and the project team. While no significant difficulties have impeded progress, some challenges arose in obtaining prompt responses from Reykjavik University due to differing perspectives on the administrative handling of documents. These challenges were addressed through ongoing communication and coordination efforts to ensure a harmonized approach to administrative processes and document handling (when possible).
The REALME project organized a range of activities aimed at enhancing Medical Engineering education through immersive Mixed Reality experiences. These activities were meticulously planned and implemented, with a particular focus on those supported by the grant for Project Management and Implementation.
Kick off Meeting and Competences Survey: Conducted a comprehensive survey to gauge stakeholders'' perspectives, including students, alumni, and medical engineering employers.
Mid-Term Conference: Organized a transnational event at Reykjavik University, presenting the project''s progress to professors, assistants, and students from all university stages. The grant facilitated the coordination, logistics, and promotion of the Mid-Term Conference, contributing to its successful implementation.
Mixed Reality Programming and VR Content Creation: Developed immersive Mixed Reality training sessions and 3D content using platforms like Unity, Blender, and Steam VR. Funding from the grant-aided in acquiring the necessary software, hardware, and expertise for the creation of Mixed Reality content.
Workshops for Hands-On Experience: Conducted workshops for students to provide a hands-on experience with VR courses, enhancing their understanding of the innovative teaching methodology. The grant supported the organization and facilitation of workshops, ensuring accessibility for students and the necessary resources and expertise.
Short-Term Mobility (STM) Interviews: Orchestrated interviews with students to assess the impact of the project on their learning experience. The grant contributed to the planning and execution of STM interviews, ensuring a qualitative evaluation of the project''s influence.
Multiplier Event: Organized an event at the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica of Bucharest, showcasing the project''s outcomes and raising awareness on the project outcomes. The grant played an important role in funding the Multiplier Event, covering costs related to venue, materials, and dissemination efforts.
Paper Submission and Publication: Submitted a paper titled "Advances in Therapeutic Contact Lenses for the Management of Different Ocular Conditions" to the Journal of Personalized Medicine. The grant facilitated the acquiring of expertise for preparation, submission, and publication processes, ensuring the dissemination of project findings.
The REALME project has achieved significant milestones in advancing Medical Engineering education through immersive Mixed Reality experiences. Key accomplishments include the development of comprehensive educational content, successful implementation of Mixed Reality programming, and the organization of impactful events such as the Mid-Term Conference and Multiplier Event. Workshops and hands-on experiences for students, along with the creation of a dedicated website and social media presence, further contributed to the project''s success. Notably, the publication of a paper in the Journal of Personalized Medicine (Q1), showcased the project''s scholarly contributions.
The REALME project, completed successfully with a lasting impact on the field of Medical Engineering.
Key achievements and examples of impact include:
Impact on Participants:
Participants immersed themselves in interactive Virtual Reality (VR) content, exploring a groundbreaking approach to learning via Mixed Reality scenarios, thereby enhancing comprehension and skill development.
The project orchestrated transnational conferences, exemplified by the "A Mixed Reality E-Learning Platform Dedicated for Medical Engineering" event. Here, participants spanning various academic levels showcased results, fostering collaborative engagement and knowledge sharing.
Impact on Participating Organizations:
The REALME project pioneered cutting-edge learning experiences through Mixed Reality, establishing itself as a flagship offering within engineering programs. This had a transformative impact on students and faculty, rendering learning more appealing and pertinent.
By narrowing the educational disparities between European countries and global leaders, particularly in fields like molecular modeling, the project effectively addressed educational gaps. It emphasized the importance of digital interaction, particularly highlighted during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The collaboration between Icelandic and European institutions resulted in enhanced educational offerings, promoting innovation and excellence. This collaboration set a robust precedent for future initiatives, contributing to increased international visibility.
Impact on Other Stakeholders:
The REALME project delivered responsible and relevant training in Medical Engineering, producing graduates better skilled for the labor market. Significant contributions to this impact were made through VR content development, including activities like Mixed Reality Programming.The heightened expertise in fields connected to healthcare, fueled by the project''s outputs such as VR content and workshops, anticipates fostering exponential growth in the industry, consequently enhancing the overall quality of life for citizens.The success of REALME stands as a model, illustrating the potential impact of innovative educational methodologies, VR content, and Mixed Reality approaches in elevating the education and preparation of future professionals in Medical Engineering.
Number of joint intellectual outputs created in cooperation projects - 10/ Nomber of joint articles submitted to peer review publications- Iceland - 1
Number of joint events organised (Summer schools. Intensive programmes, seminars, workshops, conferences, training courses - 6
Number of participants (students and staff) at joined events - 251
Summary of bilateral results
The REALME project derived substantial benefits from its collaboration with Reykjavik University as a donor project partner. The transnational Mid-Term Conference, held at the University of Reykjavik and organized by Dr. Ólafur E. Sigurjónsson, marked an important event in showcasing the project''s implementation and progress, particularly in the development of Mixed Reality (MR) content.The Mid-Term Conference, organized by Dr. Ólafur E. Sigurjónsson and his team, provided a comprehensive presentation detailing the advancements and achievements of the medical field and REALME project. It offered an overview of the MR content developed, emphasizing its significance and impact on education. The conference featured a dedicated segment for showcasing the MR content, including interactive demonstrations and presentations. This allowed attendees to experience the MR technology firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding of its applications and the latest scientific advancement in the medical engineering field.Tailored Educational Content: The Student Training Module (STM) ensured that educational content was specifically tailored to meet the needs and interests of students at different university study stages. This approach aimed to enhance the learning experience and relevance of the content for each group. The conference incorporated hands-on activities to provide a deeper understanding of the MR content and its applications. This approach enabled students to actively engage with the technology and gain practical experience. The STM further fostered interaction and knowledge sharing among students pursuing licenses, master''s degrees, and Ph.D. studies, creating a platform for cross-level collaboration and the exchange of ideas.