Abstract:

The work presented in this paper is based on more than 25 years experiences at University of Žilina, Slovakia. The current study is focused on the expectations whether the digital learning content is a support tool for supporting student´s development in the area of engineering education for an effective use of constructivist theory to determine key competences in educational process, especially in the focus of student’s assistance. Educational research presented in this work is often point to dominant factors that are likely to obstruct the application of reformed schooling in vocational schools, such as new curriculum based on key student’s competences for elimination the disconnection of schools from real-life context. Apparently, the current model of technology studies in Slovakia vocational schools consisting of a combination of theoretical studies focused in digital learning content impact, and project-based learning to more effective technology education. We conclude that the constructivist theory and students assistance to educational process is recognised as a valuable approach for creating deeper understanding of technology learning content. Implementation of constructivist teaching practices into a digital content is especially critical to model a good didactics in specialised technology subjects. Further, digital learning content in e-books with scientific inquiry to methods the students will use to develop key competences familiarise pre-service technology teachers in teaching and learning process. Constructivism in technology oriented subjects provides good conditions for elimination difficulties of traditional „Mid-European“ educational model focused on extensive learning content. New educational model focused on key competences through the content learnt closely relates to subjects that could interest students and enhance their imagination. The learning process with individual approach takes place in a digital sophisticated technology environment consisting of advanced technology components, tools, instrumentation with computers aid. We resulted that majority of teachers have a good background in engineering and often update their professional knowledge, and competency based learning has been integrated into the didactics of digital-based textbooks for increasing students’ knowledge in the subject matter enhancing students’ aptitudes like individual and independent learning, problem-solving and creativity as a dominant natural outcomes of technology education.

Keywords:

Engineering education, digital learning content, competency-based didactics, constructivist theory.