Enhancing student engagement in civil engineering education through innovative self-regulation practices in remote laboratories : a systematic literature review

Abstract

The proliferation of technology and the shift towards remote learning have significantly transformed the landscape of engineering education. This evolution has been driven by various factors, including changing student demographics, rapid technological advancements, and global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering these developments, this systematic review synthesises evidence regarding the application of innovative self-regulation strategies that are facilitated by technology-enhanced remote learning environments. The focus was on enhancing student engagement, specifically within virtual laboratories in engineering education. To conduct this review, a meticulous systematic search was performed across prominent electronic databases, including IEEE Xplore, ERIC, and Web of Science. The findings highlight that integrating self-regulation practices with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and machine learning has a positive impact on student engagement and participation rates. Moreover, it correlates with improved learning satisfaction in remote environments. High levels of student engagement are manifested through effective time management strategies, consistent interaction with learning content, and sustained motivation throughout the learning process. However, the review also identified persistent challenges that educators and students face in a remote learning context. These challenges include feelings of social isolation and disconnection among students, inequalities regarding access to essential technology, and a general lack of preparedness among faculty in terms of the necessary infrastructure and resources for effective online teaching. This review offers valuable insights into how technology-enhanced self-regulation practices can boost engagement in remote engineering education, informing strategies to improve student experiences in virtual settings.