Developing collaborative online project-based learning model to enhance learning in engineering

It has been widely reported that knowledge and skills gained in formal Higher Education Institute courses are different from those required at work. Students lack soft skills, according to feedback from employers. Many universities have become proactive in improving their curricula to address industry demands. Collaborative learning (CL) is the current trend towards active learning, bridging both academia and industrial expectations. This paper presents a collaborative online project-based learning (COPBL) approach using the ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation) model in order to improve the quality of learning, teaching and practice collaboration. The COPBL framework is designed to help students conduct projects independently or collaboratively in a safe and engaging manner. Asetof data was obtained and analysed using a mixed-methods research design. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from 155 students, and interviews were conducted with 25 of them to collect qualitative data. Analysis revealed that 90% of students engaged in group discussion to reach a decision, and students collaborated and shared information about the project with their peers. Students engaged in teamwork within their learning community and participated in group problem solving as they worked through the COPBL. They were active and motivated in group meetings and used workbooks to plan and record activities. As a result, they were able to better understand the ideas, objectives, or resources involved in the projects, as well as improve their ability to listen to and respect the ideas of others. Students believed that when they communicated and participated in group activities, they learned more. Students agreed that CL was more effective and better than individual work, that they understood the subject better, used technology better, and learned things of significant value. The findings indicated that COPBL gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the discipline in the given activities, learn more advanced information from practical performance, and develop digital skills and a set of soft skills (including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and creative skills) that complement hard skills in the evolving job market.