Investigating the Influence of PBL on Student Engagement in the Development of XR Applications

Student engagement (SE) is considered a crucial requirement for academic success and to empower students with 21st century skills set. Traditional teaching methods often disengage learners which results in higher dropout rates. Due to the growth and demand of Extended Reality (XR) technologies in various industries, many higher education institutions are providing immersive technology development programmes to undergraduate students. Developing XR applications is a monotonous process which when taught via traditional methods often causes low levels of motivation and SE among learners. Active student-centered learning theories and approaches such as experiential learning theory (ELT) and its technique of project-based learning (PBL) tend to engage learners in the learning process and provide them with a meaningful learning experience. This preliminary study investigates the impact of the student-centered learning approach of project based experiential learning on student engagement of Malaysian undergraduate students (n = 26) enrolled in Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons) Virtual Reality and BSC Hons in Multimedia Technology programmes. The results obtained via survey research design method show varying impact on the multidimensional construct of SE comprising of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement and resulting 21st skills development.