Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning

This article presents a case study on the way of teaching and learning the subject ‘Information Systems’ to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) engineering students, which is based on an active learning strategy implemented through a Project-Based Learning (PjBL) method, a practice that f...

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Main Authors: Josep Petchamé, Ignasi Iriondo, Odalys Torné, Francesc Solanellas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Education Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/11/1148
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author Josep Petchamé
Ignasi Iriondo
Odalys Torné
Francesc Solanellas
author_facet Josep Petchamé
Ignasi Iriondo
Odalys Torné
Francesc Solanellas
author_sort Josep Petchamé
collection DOAJ
description This article presents a case study on the way of teaching and learning the subject ‘Information Systems’ to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) engineering students, which is based on an active learning strategy implemented through a Project-Based Learning (PjBL) method, a practice that facilitates knowledge acquisition in addition to enhancing diverse learning outcomes such as teamwork, critical thinking, and analysis, or communication skills. This study aims to present the students’ perceptions once they have undertaken the whole subject, to better understand the different positive and negative elements associated with PjBL implementation according to their opinions. Students’ perceptions of PjBL were obtained through a survey utilizing the Bipolar Laddering (BLA) technique, which allows them to identify their experiences in terms of both beneficial and challenging aspects, as well as potential improvements to their experiences. On one hand, the most relevant findings on their PjBL experience assessed as positive are presented as follows: to work by themselves on a real project related to the working world; to be able to apply the theoretical topics explained during the class sessions; to have highly talented instructors; to experience a very dynamic and effective way of learning; to give a final presentation to their classmates and the instructors; and to work in groups. On the other hand, when analyzing the core negative perceptions, the following ones were highlighted by the surveyed students: undertaking just a single project; having an overly theoretical context; and having too much freedom, which could lead to confusion.
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spelling doaj-art-2a897b898c66464a9b60a55a24da3b3c2025-08-20T02:08:15ZengMDPI AGEducation Sciences2227-71022024-10-011411114810.3390/educsci14111148Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active LearningJosep Petchamé0Ignasi Iriondo1Odalys Torné2Francesc Solanellas3Department of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), 08022 Barcelona, SpainDepartment of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), 08022 Barcelona, SpainSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USAGrup d’Investigació Social i Educativa de l’Activitat Física i de l’Esport (GISEAFE), INEFC, University of Barcelona (UB), 08038 Barcelona, SpainThis article presents a case study on the way of teaching and learning the subject ‘Information Systems’ to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) engineering students, which is based on an active learning strategy implemented through a Project-Based Learning (PjBL) method, a practice that facilitates knowledge acquisition in addition to enhancing diverse learning outcomes such as teamwork, critical thinking, and analysis, or communication skills. This study aims to present the students’ perceptions once they have undertaken the whole subject, to better understand the different positive and negative elements associated with PjBL implementation according to their opinions. Students’ perceptions of PjBL were obtained through a survey utilizing the Bipolar Laddering (BLA) technique, which allows them to identify their experiences in terms of both beneficial and challenging aspects, as well as potential improvements to their experiences. On one hand, the most relevant findings on their PjBL experience assessed as positive are presented as follows: to work by themselves on a real project related to the working world; to be able to apply the theoretical topics explained during the class sessions; to have highly talented instructors; to experience a very dynamic and effective way of learning; to give a final presentation to their classmates and the instructors; and to work in groups. On the other hand, when analyzing the core negative perceptions, the following ones were highlighted by the surveyed students: undertaking just a single project; having an overly theoretical context; and having too much freedom, which could lead to confusion.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/11/1148active learningcompetencesengineering programinformation systemsmanagement subjectproject-based learning
spellingShingle Josep Petchamé
Ignasi Iriondo
Odalys Torné
Francesc Solanellas
Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning
Education Sciences
active learning
competences
engineering program
information systems
management subject
project-based learning
title Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning
title_full Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning
title_fullStr Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning
title_full_unstemmed Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning
title_short Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning
title_sort student perceptions of project based learning when studying information systems in an ict engineering program taking advantage of active learning
topic active learning
competences
engineering program
information systems
management subject
project-based learning
url https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/11/1148
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