Author(s)

Zhao Xinyi ¹, Lv Liye ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 2 Street, Qiantang District, Hangzhou, China

Corresponding Author

Zhao Xinyi

ABSTRACT

Facing the transformative wave of Industry 4.0 and the demands of China's Emerging Engineering Education, this study proposes an integrated reform framework addressing core issues in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) pedagogy: fragmented interdisciplinary knowledge systems, outdated teaching methods, and disconnects between academia and industry. Centered on a Project-Based Learning (PBL) project—"IIoT-based CNC Machine Tool Vibration Monitoring System"—the curriculum content is modularized into technical units aligned with the three-layer IoT architecture: the perception layer, network layer, and application layer. Adopting a "problem-driven + blended teaching" model, pre-class engineering problems are released via teaching platforms, in-class flipped classrooms incorporate AI-assisted validation, and post-class industrial solution iterations are implemented. A three-tier ecosystem of "virtual simulation–semi-physical debugging–industrial practice" is constructed, integrating Siemens Process Simulation for digital twins, enabling RFID/AGV operations on smart production lines, and transforming enterprise demands into capstone projects. Faculty development employs a "Dual-Teacher Dual-Entry" mechanism: full-time teachers complete six-month industry rotations every three years to update teaching content, while corporate mentors co-develop practical industrial cases. The assessment system shifts from single examinations to a three-dimensional competency evaluation encompassing knowledge mastery, engineering practice, and innovative collaboration. The reformed PBL-based IIoT curriculum focuses on practical industrial applications of IoT, emphasizing the enhancement of students' comprehensive and innovative capabilities. It holds significant importance for cultivating interdisciplinary talent under the dual demands of Industry 4.0 and Emerging Engineering Education.

KEYWORDS

Industrial Internet of Things, Project-Based Learning, Curriculum Reform, Engineering Education

CITE THIS PAPER

Zhao Xinyi, Lv Liye, Teaching Reform and Reflections on Industrial IoT Curriculum under the Dual Needs of Industry 4.0 and New Engineering Construction. Curriculum and Teaching Methodology (2025) Vol. 8: 129-136. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/curtm.2025.080518.

REFERENCES

[1] Cao J F, Cao W. Thinking on New Engineering Construction and Teaching Reform of Automation Speciality under the Background of Industry 4.0[J]. Journal of EEE, 2021, 43 (3):1-5.
[2] Liu, J. Z., Zhai, Y. J., Xun, Z. F. (2019). Connotation analysis of Emerging Engineering Education and its construction: With discussions on the development path for industry-featured universities[J]. Research in Higher Education of Engineering, 2019, 15 (3), 21-29.
[3] Wang, Z. D. (2024). Construction of first-class IoT undergraduate programs under the context of Emerging Engineering Education, Double First-Class Initiative and Double Ten-Thousand Plan[J]. Internet of Things Technologies, 2024, 14(8), 152-155.
[4] Wu L Z. The Four-dimension Training Model Construction and Its Implementation Path of New Engineering Talents [J]. Heilongjiang Researches on Higher Education, 2022, 40(8):151-155.
[5] Ahmad I, Sharma S, Singh R, et al. Inclusive learning using industry 4.0 technologies: addressing student diversity in modern education[J].Cogent Education,2024,11(1): 2330235.
[6] Zhong X .Teaching Reform and Practice of IoT Technology Course Promoted by Industry-Education Integration Based on the OBE Educational Philosophy[J].Curriculum and Teaching Methodology,2025,8(2):49-58.
[7] Gu Q L, Cheng X M, Wang X B. Heuristic teaching exploration of “industrial Internet of Things technology” course project [J]. Computer Application Digest, 2024, 40(21):51-53.
[8] Chi Y L , Xie L , Song L L , et al. Application of PBL Teaching Method in the "Mechanical Measurement and Control Comprehensive Experiment" Course[J].Curriculum and Teaching Methodology,2025,8(1):161-167.
[9] Sun Y ,Lu L ,Lin M .Application Research of PBL Teaching Mode in Core Course Construction for Big Data Major[J].Journal of Higher Education Teaching,2025,2(1) 
[10] Zhao, G. L., Mi, J., Ma, K. (2018). Project-based heuristic teaching integrating engineering competency cultivation under the perspective of Emerging Engineering Education: A case study of IoT pedagogy[J]. Journal of Higher Education, 2018, 25(19), 96-99.

Sponsors, Associates, and Links

---

• Advances in Educational Technology and Psychology
  
  
• Transactions on Comparative Education
  
  
• Applied & Educational Psychology
  
  
• Advances in Vocational and Technical Education
  
  
• Adult and Higher Education