Project-Based Learning for Creative Technologists: A Design-Based Research Agenda for Visual Scripting Pedagogy

This working paper proposes a design-based research agenda to examine the role of project-based learning in student outcomes when teaching node-based visual scripting in Unreal Engine 5 to creative technology and game design students. Using a newly developed project-based textbook and redesigned curriculum as design artifacts, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach combining quiz scores with anonymised student surveys and classroom observation across two phases (N=50). Initial beta results show higher average quiz scores than in prior semesters and richer creative implementations, suggesting potential for flipped and hybrid learning models.