The PhOENIX project, dedicated to the development of digital tools for photonics training, is now in its second year of deployment. This step is marked by significant and promising progress in terms of results achieved and actions taken.

User-focused systems

The integration of digital technologies into training is becoming essential. However, these tools are rarely designed to meet the specific needs or users or the realities of the field.

PhOENIX takes up this challenge by adopting a human-centered approach aimed at creating adapted and effective pedagogical solutions for photonics learning. The project's main innovation lies in close collaboration with end-users, whose feedback feeds into every stage of tool development.

The project is led by and interdisciplinary consortium consortium with complementary skills:

• ALPhANOV and its training center PYLA for the design of digital tools,
• CATIE for user-centered design methodology and evaluation protocols,
• Photonics France for disseminating results within the industry,

Innovation and resources for photonics training

PhOENIX is focusing its efforts on several educational tools and resources.

Several practical virtual reality modules have been developed to teach the safe handling of laser beams and have been tested by a user committee of over 15 members. They enable immersive learning of technical gestures and best practices.

Accompanying video capsules are currently being created to help users get to grips with these tools. These resources are designed around the needs expressed by trainers and learners, to held them get the most out of VR tools.

At the same time, Maths4Photonics, an adaptive exercise platform dedicated to refresher courses in mathematics for photonics, is available in demo version. It features adaptive MCQs developed with maths and physics teachers, in an optical context. This solution is aimed at students or anyone wishing to improve their mathematical skills.

Key figures...

The project shows promising results:

• 918 users have already used the solutions deployed,
• 12 virtual reality headsets distributed to user committee partners,
• 2 scientific articles published:
  • https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/journals/optical-engineering/volume-63/issue-7/071411/Improving-efficiency-in-optics-education-with-immersive-virtual-reality/10.1117/1.OE.63.7.071411.full
  • https://www.photoniques.com/articles/photon/pdf/2023/06/photon2023123p26.pdf

In 2025, the project will enter its final year with several ambitious goals, including:

• The finalization of a practical virtual reality training module,
• The design of interactive video capsules to held users get to grips with these digital tools,
• The launch of a final version of the MathPhotonics platform, with more than 300 maths MCQs,
• The drafting of a white paper summarizing best practices for designing training programs adapted to different types of learning and users.

This final phase of the project pursues the initial ambition of transforming photonics learning methods, while keeping pedagogical and human needs at the heart of innovation.

The PhOENIX project is a winner of the DEFFINUM call for projects (Innovative Digital Training Devices), initiated by the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Insertion as part of a comprehensive plan for the transformation and digitalization of training integrated into the Recovery Plan. This initiative is co-led by the General Secretariat for Investment (SGPI) and operated by the Banque des Territoires within the framework of France 2030.