Abstract
This study explores the challenges and opportunities in engineering education arising from the post-pandemic landscape. In response to the evolving educational paradigm, the research focuses on the implementation of a blended learning model with a flipped classroom approach to enhance the effectiveness of engineering education. The study employs empirical methods to assess the impact of this pedagogical shift on student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall educational experience. The investigation involves the integration of traditional face-to-face instruction with online resources and interactive digital content. The research mainly evaluated the efficacy of the blended learning approach with flipped classroom approach. Preliminary findings suggest that the adoption of blended learning with a flipped classroom approach positively influences student learning outcomes, fosters a more dynamic and participatory learning environment, and addresses the challenges posed by the post-pandemic educational landscape.
Instructional Technology Theory in the Post-Pandemic Era
TopBackground
Engineering education, as the place where engineers are produced and nurtured, plays an important role to ensure the quality of engineering graduates. With the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the educational landscape has witnessed a transformative shift towards student-centered methodologies, departing from the conventional teacher-centric paradigms (Miranda et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2021). Unlike traditional pedagogies, which prioritize instructor-led instruction, a student-centered approach fosters personalized learning through skill-set-oriented strategies, bolstered by blended and remote learning modalities, thus broadening educational horizons (Dada et al., 2023). In this milieu, ICT, leveraging multimedia technologies, enhances interactive learning, elucidating intricate concepts and techniques, thereby augmenting the educational experience (Fu, 2022). Consequently, ICT emerges as an effective facilitator in extending the frontiers of engineering education.
Key Terms in this Chapter
MCO: MCO stands for Movement Control Order, a governmental measure implemented during emergencies or crises, such as pandemics. It restricts movement and social activities, aiming to curb the spread of disease. Under MCO, individuals may be required to stay at home, with exceptions for essential services and activities.
MOOCs: MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses, are internet-based educational platforms offering free or low-cost courses to a large number of participants globally. They cover diverse subjects and are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, promoting lifelong learning and skill development through interactive multimedia resources and online assessments.
TAPS: A custom in house-built pre-pandemic application that could be accessed by students via secured network link to access and use the application to learn engineering mechanics dynamics perform problem solving.
Pandemic: A pandemic is an outbreak of a contagious disease that spreads across multiple countries or continents, affecting a significant portion of the global population. It often results in widespread illness, increased mortality rates, and societal disruption, requiring coordinated international efforts to contain and mitigate its impact.
Flipped Classroom: A method where traditional teaching methods are inverted. Students first engage with instructional content online, typically through videos or readings, outside of class. Classroom time is then dedicated to interactive activities, discussions, and problem-solving, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration under the guidance of the teacher.
Blended Learning: A learning method that combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning methods. It integrates digital media and technology into the learning process, allowing for flexibility, personalization, and accessibility. Students engage in a mix of in-person interactions and virtual activities, enhancing their educational experience through a dynamic approach.
Industry 4.0: Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by the integration of digital technologies into manufacturing and production processes. It encompasses automation, data exchange, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), leading to enhanced efficiency, productivity, and connectivity across various industries