Integrating Project-Based Learning and the Internet of Things in vocational education: A literature review of developments, implementation, and future prospects for 21st-century learning

Digital transformation and the advancement of Industry 4.0 technologies require vocational education to develop technical competencies and 21st-century skills through industry-relevant learning. This study aims to analyze the integration of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) with the Internet of Things (IoT) as a learning approach to strengthen vocational competencies and institutional readiness for technological change. This qualitative study employed a literature review of 14 academic documents published between 2019 and 2026, using content analysis and thematic synthesis. The findings indicate that PjBL–IoT integration is grounded in constructivism, social learning theory, and Technology-Enhanced Learning, and is implemented through IoT technological architecture and six project-based learning stages. This approach has the potential to support the development of 4C competencies, computational thinking, technical skills, and technological literacy. This study contributes an integrated perspective linking pedagogy, technology, competency development, and educational governance, highlighting POAC-based management, TPACK development, data security, and industry partnerships as essential conditions for sustainable implementation. Abstrak Transformasi digital dan perkembangan teknologi Industri 4.0 menuntut pendidikan vokasi untuk mengembangkan kompetensi teknis serta keterampilan abad ke-21 melalui pembelajaran yang relevan dengan kebutuhan industri. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis integrasi Project-Based Learning (PjBL) bermuatan Internet of Things (IoT) sebagai pendekatan pembelajaran untuk memperkuat kompetensi dan kesiapan pendidikan vokasi dalam menghadapi perubahan teknologi. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui kajian literatur terhadap 14 dokumen akademik yang diterbitkan pada periode 2019–2026, dengan teknik analisis isi dan sintesis tematik. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa integrasi PjBL–IoT berlandaskan konstruktivisme, teori pembelajaran sosial, dan Technology-Enhanced Learning, serta diimplementasikan melalui arsitektur teknologi IoT dan enam tahapan pembelajaran berbasis proyek. Pendekatan ini berpotensi mendukung pengembangan kompetensi 4C, Computational Thinking, keterampilan teknis, dan literasi teknologi. Kontribusi kajian ini terletak pada pemetaan keterkaitan antara pedagogi, teknologi, capaian kompetensi, dan tata kelola pendidikan melalui POAC, penguatan TPACK, keamanan data, serta kemitraan industri sebagai prasyarat keberlanjutan implementasi.