Using Problem/Project-Based Learning for Developing a Mechanical Ventilator in Brazil: The Perception of Undergraduate Students Regarding Their Learning and Satisfaction

TL;DR: A case study on the use of PBL for developing a mechanical ventilator in Brazil found that the project provided a positive learning and satisfaction experience for students despite being conducted entirely virtually.

Abstract: There are few experiences using Problem/Project-Based Learning (PBL) approaches involving projects in critical situations such as lockdown processes. Given that the role of engineering education has gained prominence within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) area, this work discusses some problems and strategies used in a case study developed with undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case study consisted of developing a mechanical ventilator adapting PBL strategies. The major challenge was to include groups of undergraduate students from some universities of Brazil, using only virtual platforms to collaboratively leverage design processes throughout technical-based teams for developing a low-cost mechanical ventilator. Therefore, this research covers two stages. The first was the action research, where professors and students worked together to develop the equipment. Then, after six months of activities entirely performed remotely, a questionnaire was made available to students to assess learning, motivation, difficulties, among others. This paper reflects these two moments at the project execution. The perception analysis of students’ learning and satisfaction demonstrates that the project provided a socialization space in times of pandemics. Finally, it was noticed that the totally virtual environment did not negatively impact students.