Problem-Based Learning Models in Computer Science Education Supported by Digital Platforms: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62872/a8nnzd66Keywords:
computer science education, digital platforms, problem-based learning, systematic literature review, technology-enhanced learningAbstract
Computer science education requires strong problem-solving skills, algorithmic thinking, and collaboration. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is widely regarded as a relevant pedagogical approach to address these demands, particularly when supported by digital platforms that enable collaborative, exploratory, and contextual learning. This study aims to synthesize PBL models in computer science education supported by digital platforms, identify the roles of digital platforms in facilitating PBL, and evaluate its impacts and implementation challenges. A Systematic Literature Review with a qualitative synthesis approach was conducted on peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 36 studies were included and analyzed through thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. The findings indicate that digital PBL is implemented through several dominant patterns, including full PBL, hybrid PBL, and project-based PBL, with a strong emphasis on authentic problems reflecting real-world computing practices. Digital platforms function as pedagogical mediators that support collaboration, solution exploration, and reflective learning. Although digital PBL demonstrates positive effects on problem-solving skills, motivation, and collaboration, its effectiveness is highly dependent on pedagogical alignment, instructor readiness, and students’ digital literacy.
Downloads
References
Alghamdi, M. (2025). Measuring the Impact of Web‐Based Educational Tools on Enhancing Student Learning Indicators in Programming Skills, Computational Thinking, and Problem‐Solving. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 33. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70011.
Asadi, S., Allison, J., Khurana, M., & Nilashi, M. (2024). Simulation-based learning for computer and networking teaching: A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 15655 - 15690. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12476-7.
Azizah, S., Suswanto, H., & Ramadhani, S. (2025). Enhancing Network Security Skills using a Problem-Based Learning Approach in Cisco Packet Tracer Simulation Practices. Edunesia : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan. https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v6i3.1268.
Boltsi, A., Kalovrektis, K., Xenakis, A., Chatzimisios, P., & Chaikalis, C. (2024). Digital Tools, Technologies, and Learning Methodologies for Education 4.0 Frameworks: A STEM Oriented Survey. IEEE Access, 12, 12883-12901. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2024.3355282.
Century, J., Ferris, K., & Zuo, H. (2020). Finding time for computer science in the elementary school day: a quasi-experimental study of a transdisciplinary problem-based learning approach. International Journal of STEM Education, 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00218-3.
Chernikova, O., Heitzmann, N., Stadler, M., Holzberger, D., Seidel, T., & Fischer, F. (2020). Simulation-Based Learning in Higher Education: A Meta-Analysis. Review of Educational Research, 90, 499 - 541. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654320933544.
Coronel, J., Pérez‐Lombard, L., & Maestre, I. (2025). Computationally Enhanced Paper‐Like Problem Solving: pSolver as a Digital Notebook for Engineering Education. Computer Applications in Engineering Education. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70113.
Dong, Y., , H., Li, H., Jing, B., & Liu, H. (2025). Effects of digital badges on pupils' computational thinking and learning motivation in computer science.. Acta psychologica, 254, 104824 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104824.
Gea, S., Vika, A., & , S. (2025). Applying the Problem-Based Learning Model to Computer Network Topics Through the Use of Video Media. Jurnal Pendidikan Vokasi Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.63401/jpvi.v3i02.127.
Hayashi, V., & Ferreira, I. (2025). Recommendation Systems Education using Project-Based Learning (PBL). Anais do XXXIII Workshop sobre Educação em Computação (WEI 2025). https://doi.org/10.5753/wei.2025.7483.
Jin, J., & Bridges, S. (2014). Educational Technologies in Problem-Based Learning in Health Sciences Education: A Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 16. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.3240.
Maalek, R. (2024). Integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence and Problem-Based Learning into the Digitization in Construction Curriculum. Buildings. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113642.
Opre, D., Serban, C., Vescan, A., & Iucu, R. (2022). Supporting students’ active learning with a computer based tool. Active Learning in Higher Education, 25, 135 - 150. https://doi.org/10.1177/14697874221100465.
Palrecha, J., Hegade, P., & Shettar, A. (2025). NetLogo Models for Pattern Recognition in Problem Based Learning. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2025/v38is2/25031.
Ramdani, S., Nurtanto, M., Supriyatna, D., Mutohhari, F., Sutrisno, V., Setiadi, B., Pratiwi, H., & Fatin, N. (2025). Embedding Digital Literacy into Problem-Based Learning to Foster Creativity in Diagnosing EFI Systems: A Vocational Education Innovation. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología. https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt20251938.
Ratnasari, D., Yulianto, A., & Rozi, F. (2025). THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PBL MODEL TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' LEARNING OUTCOMES AT SMA NEGERI 2 SALATIGA. Journal of Economic Education. https://doi.org/10.15294/jeec.v14i1.25807.
Shute, V., & Rahimi, S. (2017). Review of computer-based assessment for learning in elementary and secondary education. J. Comput. Assist. Learn., 33, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12172.
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339.
Sutrisno, T. (2025). Efektivitas Problem-Based Learning (PBL) dengan Digital dan Integrasi Budaya Lokal Madura Terhadap Literasi Sains Siswa Sekolah Dasar. TADRUSUUN: JURNAL PENDIDIKAN DASAR. https://doi.org/10.62274/tadrusuun.v4i2.241.
Szilágyi, S., Palencsár, E., Körei, A., & Török, Z. (2025). Examining the Effectiveness of Non-Digital Game-Based Learning Among University Computer Science Students on the Topic of Improper Integrals. Education Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020132.
Wang, X., Cheng, M., & Li, X. (2023). Teaching and Learning Computational Thinking Through Game-Based Learning: A Systematic Review. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 61, 1505 - 1536. https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331231180951.
Yadav, A., & Oyelere, S. (2020). Contextualized mobile game-based learning application for computing education. Education and Information Technologies, 26, 2539 - 2562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10373-3.
Zinovieva, I., Artemchuk, V., Iatsyshyn, A., Popov, O., Kovach, V., Iatsyshyn, A., Romanenko, Y., & Radchenko, O. (2021). The use of online coding platforms as additional distance tools in programming education. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1840. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1840/1/012029.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Anggun Nugroho, Joko Santoso, Agus Purwanto, I Wayan Karang Utama, Affan Irfan Fauziawan (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
