Pilot Activities at IST
The ShakeAM project recently concluded its pilot activities in Lisbon, Portugal at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), on the 22nd of October, offering valuable insights into the innovative Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) Digital Ecosystem. Conducted as part of a master’s program in Mechanical Engineering, the pilot aimed to validate ShakeAM teaching methodologies, tools, and training modules, ensuring their effectiveness in delivering advanced skills in additive manufacturing education.
The pilot program integrated three key learning approaches to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Classroom activities introduced students to the DfAM Digital Ecosystem and its objectives, providing an overview of the
training materials and platforms, including AGORA and EIT Academy. Asynchronous learning enabled students to access bite-sized
training modules (nuggets) on the EIT Academy platform, allowing them to engage with the content at their own pace. Additionally,
live webinars hosted on the AGORA platform provided opportunities for real-time interaction with expert trainers, fostering engagement
and encouraging active participation.
A total of 24 students participated in the pilot, including one student with special educational needs,
reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity. The inclusive learning approach incorporated tailored materials and
methodologies to ensure accessibility for all participants. Students engaged enthusiastically with the self-paced modules
and actively participated in live sessions, which enhanced their understanding of advanced DfAM concepts.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many rating the training modules and materials as good to excellent.
Students appreciated the flexibility offered by self-paced learning, the appealing and engaging content, and the chance to interact
with international experts during webinars. Some suggestions for improvement included enhancing the intuitiveness of the AGORA platform
and increasing opportunities for interactive engagement during live sessions.
The Portuguese pilot successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of ShakeAM methodologies and tools in providing high-quality
education in additive manufacturing. The lessons learned from this pilot will be instrumental in refining the DfAM Digital Ecosystem
to better support learners and institutions. By equipping students with advanced skills and ensuring an inclusive learning experience,
ShakeAM continues to lead innovation in additive manufacturing education across Europe.
Stay tuned as the project progresses, paving the way for a brighter future in advanced manufacturing education!