As the demand for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) professionals increases in Palestine, traditional lecture-based instruction may not fully address the learning needs of students in this rapidly evolving field. Active learning strategies, which emphasize student engagement through hands-on projects and collaboration, have been shown to improve learning outcomes in various disciplines. This study investigates the effectiveness of project-based learning and collaborative learning in enhancing student engagement, motivation, and academic performance in HCI courses at Birzeit University and Bethlehem University.

The study employed a quasi-experimental design, with 75 students randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Specifically, 45 students were from Birzeit University and 30 from Bethlehem University. The experimental group received instruction through active learning methods, including collaborative group work, real-world project applications, and peer discussions, while the control group followed traditional lecture-based instruction. Pre- and post-tests were administered to both groups to measure their knowledge acquisition, and a follow-up survey was conducted to gauge student engagement, motivation, and overall satisfaction with the course.

Results revealed that students in the experimental group significantly outperformed their peers in the control group, as evidenced by higher post-test scores. Additionally, survey responses indicated that students exposed to active learning reported greater engagement, stronger motivation, and higher levels of satisfaction with the learning experience. These findings suggest that integrating active learning strategies into HCI courses can not only enhance academic performance but also create a more stimulating and rewarding learning environment for students.

This study has important implications for the pedagogy of HCI and other technical courses in Palestine, advocating for a shift from traditional lecture-based instruction to more student-centered learning environments. By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, active learning can help better prepare students for the demands of the HCI field and contribute to improved educational practices in engineering and computing disciplines across Palestinian universities.

Keywords: Human-Computer Interaction, Active learning strategies, Project-based learning, Collaborative learning.