Development of Shared Modeling and Simulation Environment for Sustainable e-Learning in the STEM Field

Abstract

A novel educational platform called the Shared Modeling and Simulation Environment (SMSE) was initiated in the ERASMUS+ “CybPhys” project. It integrates the Jupyter platform, including Jupyter Notebooks, with the Moodle Learning Management System for e-learning in the STEM field. This novel platform enhances e-learning by combining the content of training courses in Moodle with practical programming provided Jupyter’s capabilities to create virtual labs. A survey was conducted in the spring of 2023 among bachelor’s and master’s students at Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, which aimed at gathering feedback from students using SMSE in their e-learning process. Two student groups were involved: one of them consisted of students using SMSE in both the autumn and spring semesters and another represented the students starting with SMSE in the spring semester. The survey, based on the adjusted Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), was conducted to understand the acceptance of this e-learning approach. A comprehensive analysis of students’ answers based on the TAM approach revealed the inner process of the transformation of students’ perceptions during the acquisition of the SMSE platform. Our research demonstrates that SMSE effectively merges Moodle’s online learning capabilities with Jupyter Notebooks, providing a flexible and interactive learning experience for both in-class and remote students. It provides a web-based, multifunctional e-learning environment that combines a variety of tools and technologies, giving students the possibility to be involved in all sorts of teaching activities related to STEM education, such as theoretical knowledge, exercises, simulations and calculations, through the use of one single online environment.