The world is digitalising at an accelerating pace, which creates the need for new learning methods, solutions and environments. The forest industry has also drastically changed over the last decade and the scope from traditional pulping and papermaking has shifted towards new versatile products and end uses.
“The need for the updated learning platform was widely recognized. We started the concept planning of the book series renewal in the beginning of 2017 with close collaboration with Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering. The project got into its full speed in September 2018 and currently the project is in the final phase. Both academic and industrial professionals have been attached to the project to ensure high quality and up-to-date content for the new digital learning environment. “ – Jenni Sievänen-Rahijärvi, Project Manager of ForestBioFacts
The new learning environment will serve the needs of the universities and companies working in the bioforest industry. It will include also a free public section, an introduction to bioeconomy and forest industry. The introduction is targeted to a wider audience including high school students to promote the industry as a potential study and career field.
New learning environment is based on the Papermaking Science and Technology book series which has been an excellent textbook resource for universities and an ideal reference guide for the industry since 1998. The scope has been updated and modernisated: earlier focus of pulp and board has been shifted more towards nanocellulose, energy, textiles and biofuels. The world´s most comprehensive 20-volume book series on the bioforest industry has spread all over the world. In two decades more than 10 000 books has been sold and 21 000 access to the e-books redeemed.
Digital learning environment provides benefits over the books:
- Improved user experience
- Modular structure according to the learning needs
- Real-life applications
- Supportive learning material
- Demos on new products and technologies
- Always up-to-date material
The Forest Biofacts project has been done in collaboration with the Finnish university network and 18 industrial partners. The project totals approximately 620 000 € financed by companies, foundations and Forest Products Engineers / Paperi ja Puu Oy. We thank for the notable grants received from the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Metsämiesten Säätiö Foundation and the Walter Ahlström Foundation.
Stay tuned for the lauch in Spring 2020!
