Abstract:

The article is devoted to the urgent scientific and pedagogical problem of substantiating the theoretical, methodological principles and practical tools of utilizing design-projecting as an integrative method for developing professional competencies of higher education students in the context of global digitalization and rapid technological development. The study provides a detailed analysis of contemporary approaches to the integration of human-centered design thinking and project-based learning in higher education. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of the traditional paradigm of specialist training for specialties 022 «Design» and 015 «Professional Education». Within the framework of the digital modernization of the educational process, the author scientifically substantiates, theoretically highlights, and introduces into scientific discourse the definition of «AI-competence», which is defined as the capacity to critically, effectively, and ethically apply generative artificial intelligence systems for solving complex professional tasks, creating innovative products, and system modeling. As part of the research, a structural and functional graphical model of forming higher education students’ professional competencies by means of design-projecting and artificial intelligence has been developed, theoretically proven, and visualized. This model reflects the cyclical nature of the educational and projecting process from empathy and problem analysis to testing, presentation, and professional reflection. The practical value of the study is represented by a developed comprehensive matrix that correlates key competencies (projecting, design, digital, communicative, creative, research, professional-technological, entrepreneurial, reflective, and AI-competence) with specific stages of activity and modern digital tools and neural networks (ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney, Figma, SketchUp). A step-by-step example of the practical implementation of an educational design project titled «Educational Space of the Future: Designing a STEM Center Using Artificial Intelligence Technologies» is proposed. The article also presents, systematizes, and critically analyzes the quantitative and qualitative results of the fact-finding stage of the experimental study conducted at Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, which prove the objective necessity of modernizing the content and methodology of future specialists’ professional training based on an integrative approach.  

Keywords: design-projecting, professional competencies, higher education students, artificial intelligence, AI-competence, design thinking, project-based learning, digitalization of education.   

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