International team approach to Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning in design

The Global Engineering Team (GET) has been a very successful programme for delivering engineering design and sustainable manufacturing via Open and Distance Learning mode by using modern digital technologies. The article reports on the results and discusses the challenges of the Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning (POPBL) approach of teaching of design in a GET environment. The presentation is based on a study carried out in the 2008 edition of GET. Two questionnaires were administered to students and supervisors participating in the programme. The results indicate that GET promotes development of soft engineering skills such as students' teamwork and communication competencies. The programme also promotes student-centred learning and facilitates industry/university collaboration. However, there is also a need to advance hard engineering skills and issues of design problems within GET programme.