Research Article

Integrating technology and tourism education with design thinking: Developing and evaluating a design-based learning environment

Volume: 7 Number: 1 July 1, 2025
EN

Integrating technology and tourism education with design thinking: Developing and evaluating a design-based learning environment

Abstract

Design-based learning is a pedagogical approach that aims to design creative and innovative learning outcomes through collaboration on topics within the learning process. This study aims to develop a design-based learning environment utilizing information and communication technologies (ICT) and to evaluate the learning experiences of students resulting from the training. The participants in the study, which employed a qualitative research approach, consisted of students enrolled in the 'Destination Management' course within the Tourism Management Undergraduate Program. Data were collected through a needs analysis form and student diaries. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that technology-supported, creativity-encouraging, interactive, student-centered educational activities and techniques were preferred more by the students. It was also found that integrating ICT into the course content not only facilitated the course process but also increased students' motivation, collaborative work, and ability to use technology. It is believed that the research results will make significant contributions to creating learning environments that equip students with 21st-century skills.

Keywords

Design based learning, Design thinking, information and communication technologies, technology integration, tourism education

Supporting Institution

This study was supported by Scientific Research Coordination Unit of Anadolu University under the project number SBA-2024-2446.

Project Number

SBA-2024-2446

Ethical Statement

This research was approved by the Anadolu University Ethical Committee on February 26, 2024, with protocol number 689689.

References

  1. Albayrak, T., Caber, M., Rosario Gonzalez-Rodriguez, M., & Aksu, A. A. (2018). Analysis of destination competitiveness by IPA and IPCA methods: The case of Costa Brava, Spain, against Antalya, Turkey. Tourism Management Perspectives, 28, pp. 53–61.
  2. Assen, H., Benhadda, L., Losekoot, E., & van Diggelen, M. (2023). Design thinking in hospitality education: Lessons learned and future opportunities. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 32, 100439. Baker, D. F., & Baker, S. J. (2012). To “catch the sparkling glow”: A canvas for creativity in the management classroom. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 11, pp. 704–721.
  3. Baker, M., & O'Flynn, C. (2021). Integrating technology in tourism education: A critical review. Journal of Tourism Research, 10(2), pp. 123–135.
  4. Beirman, I. (2018). Tourism crisis and safety management. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/77002980/Tourism_Crisis_and_Safety_Management. (accessed 21 November 2024).
  5. Brown, T. (2009). Change by design: How design thinking creates new alternatives for business and society (1st ed.). Harper Business.
  6. Chandrasekaran, S., Stojcevski, A., Littlefair, G., & Joordens, M. (2013). “Design based learning-student’s views on industry requirements”, paper presented at the 5th International Symposium on Project Approaches in Engineering Education, available at: https://dro.deakin.edu.au/articles/conference_contribution/Design_based_learning_student_s_views_on_industry_requirements/20949412 (accessed 21 November 2024).
  7. Chen, H., Chiang, R. H., & Storey, V. C. (2012). Business intelligence and analytics: From big data to big impact. MIS Quarterly. 36 (4), pp. 1165–1188.
  8. Clack, L. A., & Ellison, R. L. (2019). Innovation in service design thinking. Service design and service thinking in healthcare and hospital management. Theory, Concepts, Practice, pp. 85–92.
  9. Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative research methods: Qualitative research and research design according to five approaches (2nd ed.). Siyasal Press.
  10. Çolak, F. G., & Efeoğlu, G. (2021). Needs analysis for practicum course while getting back to normal: Swot analysis sample. The Journal of Kesit Academy, 7(27), pp. 176–197.
APA
Doğantan, E., Aksöz, E. O., & Kılınç, H. (2025). Integrating technology and tourism education with design thinking: Developing and evaluating a design-based learning environment. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality, 7(1), 37-56. https://doi.org/10.48119/toleho.1589988
AMA
1.Doğantan E, Aksöz EO, Kılınç H. Integrating technology and tourism education with design thinking: Developing and evaluating a design-based learning environment. TOLEHO. 2025;7(1):37-56. doi:10.48119/toleho.1589988
Chicago
Doğantan, Ece, Emre Ozan Aksöz, and Hakan Kılınç. 2025. “Integrating Technology and Tourism Education With Design Thinking: Developing and Evaluating a Design-Based Learning Environment”. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality 7 (1): 37-56. https://doi.org/10.48119/toleho.1589988.
EndNote
Doğantan E, Aksöz EO, Kılınç H (July 1, 2025) Integrating technology and tourism education with design thinking: Developing and evaluating a design-based learning environment. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality 7 1 37–56.
IEEE
[1]E. Doğantan, E. O. Aksöz, and H. Kılınç, “Integrating technology and tourism education with design thinking: Developing and evaluating a design-based learning environment”, TOLEHO, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 37–56, July 2025, doi: 10.48119/toleho.1589988.
ISNAD
Doğantan, Ece - Aksöz, Emre Ozan - Kılınç, Hakan. “Integrating Technology and Tourism Education With Design Thinking: Developing and Evaluating a Design-Based Learning Environment”. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality 7/1 (July 1, 2025): 37-56. https://doi.org/10.48119/toleho.1589988.
JAMA
1.Doğantan E, Aksöz EO, Kılınç H. Integrating technology and tourism education with design thinking: Developing and evaluating a design-based learning environment. TOLEHO. 2025;7:37–56.
MLA
Doğantan, Ece, et al. “Integrating Technology and Tourism Education With Design Thinking: Developing and Evaluating a Design-Based Learning Environment”. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality, vol. 7, no. 1, July 2025, pp. 37-56, doi:10.48119/toleho.1589988.
Vancouver
1.Ece Doğantan, Emre Ozan Aksöz, Hakan Kılınç. Integrating technology and tourism education with design thinking: Developing and evaluating a design-based learning environment. TOLEHO. 2025 Jul. 1;7(1):37-56. doi:10.48119/toleho.1589988