ABSTRACT VIEW
CASE-BASED LEARNING: FROM CONCEPT TO PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION
N. Scerbakov1, V. Pak2
1 Graz University of Technology (AUSTRIA)
2 Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (RUSSIAN FEDERATION)
The "case-based" or "case-oriented" learning approach described here is an educational strategy designed to immerse students in problem-solving tasks by learning only the specific theoretical and practical knowledge required to address a particular case. Unlike traditional methods, where students learn comprehensive theories or entire programming languages, this approach encourages them to focus on relevant excerpts or "exceptions" that directly apply to a task or project. This enables students to concentrate on practical applications and develop solutions in a more context-oriented way.

The method was practically implemented as a component of the Learning Management System (LMS). Generally, the LMS supports the case-based learning by means of the special "Case" application. The LMS incorporates a "Case" application, enabling teachers to create dedicated memory spaces for each case. Each case is accessible by student teams, allowing collaboration within a protected environment.

Teachers initiate each case by defining its title, description, and a set of relevant topics. Students can then join a case-based team as long as there is availability, fostering group work.

Essentially, "Use-Case" incorporate files of two different types, there are so-called teacher files that can be uploaded only by teachers, and cannot be modified or deleted by the team members. These files contain essential information for students to work on the case.

User files are central to collaboration. Both students and teachers can comment on them, and the teacher can provide evaluations visible to the team. This interaction fosters a dynamic learning environment, allowing students to refine their understanding and apply it iteratively.

Teachers start each case by setting a project goal, like "Develop a mobile calculator" or "Analyze these log files," without specifying the technology or method required. This open-ended goal prompts students to independently seek out and learn necessary technological tools and solutions that will be critical to solving their case.
This approach drives students to acquire a focused, practical understanding of technology by solving real-world problems.

Completed case-solving files are accessible to other students, allowing them to observe, comment on, and even evaluate other teams' work. This access provides an opportunity for cross-case learning, where students can gain insights into alternative technologies or approaches by reviewing their peers' solutions.

The collaborative work culminates in the development and publication of an application or a report on the LMS. This output is then reviewed and evaluated by the teacher, providing a formal assessment of the group’s progress and understanding.

Thus, the students focus on learning only what's essential for the task at hand, which can enhance motivation and relevance. By working on practical cases, students gain skills directly applicable in real-world scenarios. Exposure to other teams' solutions fosters a collaborative learning culture and broadens students' technical perspectives. Students have the flexibility to choose technological tools and strategies, fostering problem-solving skills and independent learning.

This case-based e-learning approach aims to improve learning outcomes by focusing on application-oriented, collaborative, and context-specific learning, which can be especially effective in technical and skill-based educational programs.

Keywords: e-learning, LMS, Case-based learning.

Event: INTED2025
Track: STEM Education
Session: Computer Science Education
Session type: VIRTUAL