Impact of Software Education on Core Competencies in Higher Education in Korea: A Longitudinal Study

This longitudinal study examines the impact of software education on university students' digital competencies through a structured, collaborative project-based learning (PBL) approach.The research was conducted over one academic semester with a cohort of undergraduate students enrolled in introductory computer science courses across multiple majors.Using a pre-and post-test research design, the study employed a validated survey instrument to quantitatively measure changes in key competencies, including collaborative communication skills, problem-solving abilities, information analysis, and creative thinking.Results indicate significant gains in collaborative communication skills, while other competencies showed mixed outcomes; notably, creative thinking declined, and problem-solving abilities showed limited improvement.However, findings revealed only modest changes, or in some cases, no significant improvement in competencies related to problem-solving and information analysis.The study also identified an unexpected decline in students' creative thinking abilities, prompting further reflection and investigation into instructional strategies and curriculum design.Qualitative data from student testimonials provided deeper insights, revealing increased confidence and greater appreciation for teamwork despite the mixed quantitative results.The integration of quantitative findings and qualitative feedback underscores the complex and nuanced impact of software education on developing digital competencies.This study contributes valuable empirical evidence and practical recommendations for educators seeking to refine PBL methodologies and enhance the digital skillsets essential for navigating complex, digitally driven workplaces in the 21st century.