Student Perception on Project-Based Learning in E-Sports Using CDIO Framework

Abstract

This study investigates student perceptions of project-based learning (PBL) in an e-sports co-curricular course delivered using the Conceive–Design–Implement–Operate (CDIO) framework at three Malaysian polytechnics. A total of 44 students participated in the pilot study during the 2024/2025 academic session. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire adapted from Li Chen et al. (2022), which was validated for reliability (Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.778 to 0.906 across different phases). Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS to examine students’ experiences in each CDIO phase, as well as their collaboration and communication skills. Findings indicate that students generally had a clear understanding of project objectives, applied creativity in design, engaged actively in implementation, and perceived their projects as successful and improvable. The findings indicate that CDIO-based PBL has the potential to enhance both technical and soft skills in e-sports education but with limited sample size and dependence on self-reported data, restrict the extent of results to be generalized. The study highlights the potential of CDIO to guide the development of structured e-sports curricula in three institution at Politeknik Malaysian while calling for further large-scale and inferential research.