Digital Tools for Craft Education

Testing VR Studios and E-Learning Platforms

at CERFAV Glass School

Last week of September Craeft started with the testing and implementation of its technological developments. At the European Centre for Research and Training in Glassmaking CERFAV in Vannes-Le-Chatêl, France students were able to try out the new e-learning platform and the virtual reality studio for the first time.

Learning groups

The students are divided into two learning groups: one testing the new tools, and a control group using the traditional learning path. The two groups are evaluated periodically to see the benefits and shortcomings of the implementation of the new technology. The students could choose themselves if they wanted to be a part of the digital testing group, or learn the craft of glassmaking using only the traditional methods.

The e-learning platform

The platform is composed of different chapters and skills, titles and subtitles. With the help of videos, graphics and visuals, students can go over the do’s and don'ts when it comes to taking the first steps in a professional career in glassmaking.

Each learning topic is followed by a quiz, allowing students to self-evaluate their newly acquired knowledge.

“The idea was to let the students pass the quiz, before they could move on to the next module, but I don’t think that’s really the best for them now. At this stage, I think it’s important to let them dive into the platform, wander around freely, and explore by themselves.” Noël, teacher, glassmaker and project coordinator at CERFAV. “This way, we can also get their impressions on some of the more advanced training modules.”

Axelle (23), student at CERFAV; “The quizzes are pretty well done, it's not like on a lot of sites where you finish in 30 seconds. Perhaps in terms of the organisation of the site and the courses, I find that you get lost quite quickly and perhaps it could be structured a little better.“

Laurine didn’t have any experience with digital technology prior to the Craeft project and she was curious, so she decided to sign up.

VR Studio

The students arrived, and one by one tried on the headset. They were impressed with some of its features, but also noticed some shortcomings. David: “When we inflate the blowpipe it is very important to take the cane out of the oven, now we can only do this manipulation inside of the oven, this is an important detail that has to be fixed, because the consequences might be disastrous in a real-life environment”. When the students were done with the headset, there was an open discussion about future developments.

David Arnaud, digital project manager at CERFAV was testing the VR Studio when we walked in. David: “Would you like to try?” He said, giving me the headset and explained to me the controls. Jan: “Wow, I feel like a real glassmaker,” I said. “You can even put your head inside of the oven!” David: “Yes, but you’re really not supposed to, your head would be reduced to ashes in minutes.”

Read more about the project, how the students were introduced to the Craeft project, how they were familiarised with the new virtual tools on Cerfav's website.

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