Future skills in engineering education: digitalization of skills-based learning and examination

The main objective of an engineering degree is to develop the necessary professional, methodological and social skills of engineering students. In this context, university graduates are particularly characterized by the fact that they have a broad range of professional and methodological knowledge and, at the same time, scientific problem-solving skills. These enable them to face new challenges by critically analyzing emerging issues and expanding their knowledge throughout their lives. They can apply their knowledge in a targeted manner. Engineers have to solve complex technical problems and develop demand-driven solutions for different markets considering various time, regulatory, and financial constraints. They must cope with an ever-changing world and adapt to rapidly changing technological and social conditions. Therefore, engineering education should be based on frameworks such as Future Skills and 21st Century Skills to ensure clarity in the development of skills and the sustainability of programs. There is a growing emphasis on teaching not only technical expertise, but also key skills for long-term career success. Launched in 2021, the examING project aims to explore and evaluate skills-based learning and examination in undergraduate engineering programs. It includes several sub-projects focused on Digital Collaboration, Digital Learning and Digital Literacy. Guided by the principles of Constructive Alignment, the project is revising learning outcomes, defining learning activities, and developing examinations to ensure that students acquire and apply relevant skills for future engineering challenges.