Can Technology Make a Difference to the Level of Engagement Within Large Classes in Engineering Education? A Case Study in Sri Lanka

Engineering education is oriented towards problem based and project-based education. In Sri Lanka, teachers of first-year engineering undergraduate courses have the unique challenge of fostering student engagement especially in large classes. This study concerns a large classroom using the Moodle virtual learning environment. Data was collected qualitatively through focus-group discussions with undergraduates with respect to accessing the Moodle Log and quantitatively via the Moodle records. An important finding in this study is that when students are used to traditional teaching methods, they face difficulties in accepting TEL techniques, unless the latter is made compulsory for some aspects. Hence teachers must use a blended-learning approach and gradually increase the use of TEL techniques.