The pedagogical value of digital practices in engineering education:a global overview

Abstract

This article analyses global practices in the application of digital technologies in engineering education to identify effective elements and their content. Particular attention is paid to the organization of practical classes, which in the traditional format require specialized equipment. In this context, the best international examples demonstrate the effectiveness of various digital solutions, from simulations and remote laboratories to IoT modules and digital twins, which ensure the formation of professional competencies and expand access to modern educational resources. The study includes more than 35 publications, systematized into four areas. The distribution of practices by year and category shows a steady growth in interest in the digitalization of education after 2020, which is associated with the transition of universities to remote and blended formats. Simulations and virtual laboratories have seen the most development, while digital twins and IoT modules are demonstrating increasing promise as elements of more complex integration of real data and engineering processes. The results obtained are not only of technological but also of pedagogical significance. The classification of digital solutions reflects different levels of student engagement: from visualization and explanation of processes to research and project activities. This allows global practices to be used as a benchmark for the development of construction education in Kazakhstan and the creation of educational platforms that integrate the most effective digital elements.