Comparing Engineering Students Perceptions of Online and Traditional Face-to-Face Environments During a Problem and Project Based Learning (PBL) Module

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Research examining the future of engineering education has highlighted forthcoming challenges for engineering institutions, such as increasing cohort sizes, limited budgets and a demand for the delivery of flexible, diverse and student-centred curricula. To this end, scholars have suggested the use of problem and project based learning (PBL) methodologies that can be implemented within hybrid learning environments. This paper examines and compares students' perceptions of a PBL module that was delivered by means of online and traditional face-to-face environments. The goal of this paper is to highlight the students' voice over other stakeholders to provide valuable insights into their preferences of current pedagogical practices. This in turn can provide information to improve teaching and learning in hybrid learning environments. This study was carried out with two student cohorts of first year engineering students. One of the cohorts completed the module in 2021 (N=94) in an online environment and the second in 2022 (N=89) in a traditional face-to-face environment. This paper focus on analysing the 2022 cohort and comparing the results against the findings presented at SEFI 2022 in Barcelona for the 2021 cohort. The findings revealed areas of significance for educators conducting PBL within online and hybrid environments. This includes the role of communication, module planning, dealing with conflict, and flexibility in learning.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSEFI 2023 - 51st Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering Education for Sustainability, Proceedings
EditorsGer Reilly, Mike Murphy, Balazs Vince Nagy, Hannu-Matti Jarvinen
PublisherEuropean Society for Engineering Education (SEFI)
Pages2605-2615
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9782873520267
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event51st Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education, SEFI 2023 - Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 11 Sep 202314 Sep 2023

Publication series

NameSEFI 2023 - 51st Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education: Engineering Education for Sustainability, Proceedings

Conference

Conference51st Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education, SEFI 2023
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityDublin
Period11/09/2314/09/23

Keywords

  • Blended Learning
  • Distance Education
  • Engineering Education
  • Online Learning
  • PBL
  • Student Attitude
  • Student Satisfaction

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