THE READINESS OF BANTING POLYTECHNIC’S AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE STUDENTS FOR ONLINE COMPOSITE REPAIR TEACHING AND LEARNING

Özet

The swift progression of technology and the growing dependence on digital platforms in education have
required the evolution of traditional teaching techniques into more adaptable, online-based options.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a field that necessitates extensive practical experience, especially
in the repair of composite materials, an essential competency for aviation students. This study examines
the readiness of students at Banting Polytechnic Selangor, Malaysia for the shift to online learning, with
particular emphasis on composite repair education, a crucial component of their Aircraft Maintenance
Engineering curriculum. The main goal is to evaluate students’ preparedness and perspectives regarding
the transition from conventional in-person education to online formats, while pinpointing critical aspects
that affect their adaptability. This study aims to investigate the degree to which contemporary digital
learning tools and tactics correspond with the actual requirements of composite repair training and
how educators might enhance online instruction for technical courses. A mixed-methodologies strategy
was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A standardized survey
was administered to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering students at Banting Polytechnic Selangor,
Malaysia, aimed at assessing their technical preparedness, motivation, self-regulation skills, and
proficiency using digital learning tools. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with educators and
industry representatives to provide insights into the opportunities and obstacles associated with online
composite repair training. The gathered data were examined to discern trends and themes concerning students’ perspectives of online learning, their access to essential technologies, and their confidence in
developing practical abilities via virtual platforms. This study investigates the influence of institutional
support on online technical education and how policy modifications may enhance student engagement
and skill development. The study’s findings reveal that although the majority of students have a basic
comprehension of online learning tools and platforms, they encounter considerable difficulties in
mastering specialized skills such as composite repair in a completely online environment. Identified
key issues encompass insufficient hands-on practice chances, limited practical simulation tools, and
disparate levels of student self-motivation. While students typically value the flexibility and accessibility
of online education, some individuals voiced apprehensions over the efficacy of distant instruction
in technical disciplines necessitating close engagement with materials and equipment. Moreover,
differences in internet access and digital skills among students have resulted in inconsistencies in learning
results, hence exacerbating the transition to online education. This research underscores the necessity
for educational institutions, including Banting Polytechnic Selangor, to confront these problems by
incorporating sophisticated digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
to replicate real-world composite repair scenarios. Moreover, it underscores the necessity of improving
students’ self-regulation abilities and offering adequate technological assistance to facilitate effective
interaction with educational resources. It is essential to create hybrid learning models that integrate
online theoretical training with in-person practical sessions to enhance skill acquisition. The study
finds that although online learning offers considerable advantages in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
education, a customized strategy is crucial for effectively equipping students with specialized skills
such as composite repair in a virtual setting. This research offers insights that can assist educators
and policymakers in enhancing the delivery of technical education within the changing digital learning
environment and aid in the formulation of more effective remote training methods for practical.