Dynamics of Using Information and Communication Technology Tools in a Distributed Project-Based Design Course

This chapter presents the dynamics and interplay of individual and collaborative use of ICT tools during a design project-based learning course. During the COVID-19 pandemic, five teams (8–9 members) with members from Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, and Austria worked in a geographically distributed context. The results show that students utilise both individual and collaborative working modes. However, the dynamics of ICT use differ throughout the course. Typical design tools for 3D modelling become predominant just in the later course phases. In contrast, visualisation tools are used more during the initial phases. Finally, findings suggest that remote collaboration requires continuous and frequent use of communication tools (video conferencing and instant messaging) throughout the whole course. The presented findings can help educators and researchers in engineering education better structure their classes in post-pandemic settings.