Practical Learning in Mechatronics Education: a Case Study on Post-Pandemic Rover Projects

This paper evaluates the restructuring of the MECH 532 Design of Mechatronics Systems course at UAE University, a response tailored to the educational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This course synthesis incorporated a Project-Based Learning (PBL) strategy focused on the practical construction and programming of a rover, by using a blend of online lectures and in-person labs. By employing digital tools like 3D Creality software, Fusion 360, TinkerCad, and Arduino kits, the curriculum has been innovatively designed to bridge theoretical concepts with tangible applications, thereby increasing student engagement and enhancing practical skill development. The effectiveness of this approach has been analyzed through student projects, which have revealed significant improvements in their comprehension of complex systems and soft skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving. The findings advocate for a broader integration of PBL into engineering education, propose strategies for educators and policymakers, and highlight the need for future research to explore the long-term professional outcomes of PBL and the potential of incorporating emerging technologies into the educational process.