A Process-Focused Experiential Approach to IT Education Using Peer Learning

This study provides an overview of efforts to improve experiential learning outcomes by integrating the curriculum of an upper-level Project Management (PM) course with an Introductory Programming (IP) course using a game-making project. Students in the PM course applied PM methods and techniques while supervising teams of students in the IP course in making a gaming app. Paradoxically, it was found that transitioning from complex, real-world client projects to more structured and guided student projects increased realism and enhanced experiential learning. Positive results were not automatically derived by employing experiential learning tools. More important was a focus on the process through which student experiences resulted in knowledge acquisition and creation. The findings of this study encourage educators to pay special attention to the implementation and integration of learning tools to create synergy in the learning process.