Abstract:

The main objective of the paper is to describe the state of the art of the cutting-edge learning / teaching techniques and tools for innovative higher education of future generation of Knowledge Workers. Learning / Teaching factories concepts and experience will be discussed to outline goals, potentialities and limits. The paper, starting from the best education experience identified, will explore expected evolutions on future digital tools that could support and improve existing and improved university or vocational teaching and learning processes in higher education. Tools will be categorized for both hard and soft skills required by Industry 4.0 concept implementation. Authors try to distinguish and evaluate innovative methods and digital tools for higher education in industrial engineering and management. The research to identify the aforementioned methods in higher education for IE&M is to be conducted according to the methodology presented following.

Framework of research methodology:

1. Identification of the innovative teaching methods offered by HEIs: Methods and tools implemented- Web search with predefined keywords (innovative teaching methods, conventional and unconventional teaching methods, teaching 4.0, education 4.0. Expected results- List of teaching methods offered by HEIs.

2.1. Definition of Education 4.0/Teaching 4.0: Methods and tools implemented- Literature review (definition, key words of Education 4.0, Teaching 4.0).
2.2. Identification of educational gap in terms of Industry 4.0: Methods and tools implemented- Literature review and identifying soft and hard skills required by Industry 4.0.
Expected results for 2.1 and 2.2- Definition of Education 4.0, List of soft and hard skills required by Industry 4.0.

3. Industry 4.0 Educational model approach: Methods and tools implemented- Defining relevant teaching methods for Erasmus Plus project ‘IE3’ classes and courses. Expected results- Teaching methods appropriate for Erasmus Plus project ‘IE3’ for state-of the art IE&M education.

Finally, the paper describes how the Erasmus plus project ‘IE3’ aims to identify most appropriate educational methodologies and tools for both classes and e-learning innovative courses in IE&M, for both university students and industry workforce.

Keywords:

Innovative learning, digital tools, industry 4.0, skills gap, e-learning.