Shaping Online Student Success: The Power of Scenario-Based Learning on Understanding and Confidence

The global demand for online learning is rapidly increasing, with learner participation project to exceed 1 billion learners by 2028. In Ireland, 40% of workers were engaged in online courses in 2024. While online education offers flexibility; challenges like reduced collaboration and the growing use of AI-assisted assignments persist. Educators are increasingly adopting active learning approaches to enhance engagement and learning outcomes. Active learning is one of five key student-centric learning elements which significantly influence student satisfaction with online courses. Scenario-based learning (SBL) is emerging as an effective active learning method, particularly in engineering education, where the industry frequently calls for stronger integration of problem-solving skills. This study evaluated an interactive online SBL scenario using the virtual platform ThingLink, where students applied the 5-Whys technique in an industrial lab setting. Engaging with virtual stakeholders, they identified root causes receiving instant feedback. A survey showed 84% found the platform engaging, 84% found it easy to use, and 81% saw strong theory-to-practice connections. The results highlight SBL's potential to enhance online education and effectively support digital learning transformation.