Experience of distance education for project-based learning in data science

Area of Science:

• Data Science Education
• Educational Technology
• Remote Learning

Background:

• Project-based learning (PBL) is an effective pedagogical approach for teaching data science using real-world data and problems.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the transition of educational practices to distance learning formats, including synchronic (real-time) remote education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a project-based learning approach for data science education delivered via distance learning.
• To evaluate student communication experiences and identify challenges and best practices in a remote PBL environment.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of synchronic distance education for a data science project-based learning course.
• Conducting student surveys to gather feedback on communication, collaboration, and overall learning experience.
• Analysis of survey data to identify communication barriers and facilitators in remote group work.

Main Results:

• Approximately 30% of students reported difficulties in communicating with peers and instructors.
• Despite challenges, students demonstrated a capacity for effective communication within remote group work settings.
• Visual cues, such as seeing all participants' faces on screen during Zoom calls with screen sharing, were identified as crucial for effective remote communication.

Conclusions:

• Distance education for data science project-based learning is feasible and can be effective.
• Improvements are needed in addressing issues like conversational turn-taking and informal teacher interactions in remote settings.
• Strategies to enhance visual presence and facilitate natural communication are key to optimizing remote PBL effectiveness.