Leveraging digital tools to design an integrative hybrid learning experience

The past decade has seen a redesign of engineering education to accommodate the supercomplexities of the modern world. In preparation for this world, integrative teaching and learning approaches that highlight connections between different concepts, and between theory and practice, develop the critical thinking attributes of engineering graduates. One means of facilitating integrative learning experiences that was further impelled by the COVID19 disruption is the adoption of digital tools within a hybrid module design. This paper presents and evaluates various digital interventions within an integrative, hybrid-learning mode applied to a content-dense materials science module in the second year of a Bachelor of Engineering degree programme. The evaluation focuses on analysing students' perceptions on the effectiveness of the different digital tools that were used to support integrated learning in a theory-rich module. Quantitative and qualitative feedback drawn from questionnaires revealed that, overall, students valued the well-structured, logical online format of the module and recommended this as a standard for other modules. Students also expressed appreciation for the explicit theory-practice links in the case studies and virtual practical sessions. Challenges with time management were also highlighted with students associating this with the wide range of activities that are employed in a hybrid, integrated approach to module design. Additionally, it was clear that there is a wide range of digital fluency across the student cohort. Students' level of competence relating to basic computer and data analysis skills directly influences their ability to engage and perform well in activities that required these skills, such as the projects and virtual practical sessions. It was concluded that the success of the current approach in preparing students for supercomplexity relies on restructuring other curricular items in a similar digitally aided integrative manner whilst providing support for time management and digital skills.