The rapid digital transformation of the tourism industry has increased the need for specialists with applied digital competencies and practice-oriented professional skills. This study examines the integration of applied digital learning technologies into tourism education using a design-based research approach and a single-group mixed-methods design. The proposed training model combined Moodle 3.11, practice-oriented digital modules, and browser-based virtual/interactive service-scenario simulations. The empirical implementation involved 48 undergraduate tourism students and 6 instructors over one academic semester. Pre-test and post-test results showed an improvement in mean learning scores from 61.4 to 78.9 (p < 0.001). A supplementary exploratory regression model indicated positive associations between competency development and LMS task completion, simulation engagement, and interaction frequency (R-squared = 0.64). Because the study used a small sample and no control group, these results are interpreted as within-group learning gains and indicative associations rather than definitive causal effects. Qualitative survey and observation evidence further indicated stronger engagement, practical readiness, and positive perceptions of the digital learning environment. The study contributes a scalable applied digital training framework for aligning tourism education with industry-oriented digital workflows while identifying the need for future controlled and larger-sample validation.
Keywords
Applied Digital Learning TechnologiesTourism EducationProfessional TrainingCompetency-Based EducationVirtual Learning EnvironmentsLearning Management Systems
References
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Tourism and Digital Transformation. Madrid, Spain: World Tourism Organization, 2019.
Z. Xiang and D. R. Fesenmaier, “Big data analytics, tourism design and smart tourism,” Journal of Travel Research, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 299-312, 2017, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287516649058.
R. Law, S. Buhalis, and C. Cobanoglu, “Progress on information and communication technologies in hospitality and tourism,” International Journal of Hospitality Management, vol. 71, pp. 30-40, 2018, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2017.11.002.
A. M. Munar and J. K. S. Jacobsen, “Motivations for sharing tourism experiences through social media,” Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 46-54, 2014, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2013.12.001.
M. K. Kim and J. C. Hall, “A systematic literature review of immersive virtual reality applications for higher education,” Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, vol. 26, p. 100231, 2020, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2019.100231.
M. Makransky and G. B. Petersen, “Immersive virtual reality and learning: A meta-analysis,” Educational Psychology Review, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1121-1148, 2019, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-019-09515-7.
M. Bond, V. I. Marín, C. Dolch, S. Bedenlier, and O. Zawacki-Richter, “Digital transformation in higher education: A framework for practice,” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 15, no. 38, 2018, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-018-0127-3.
M. M. Talipov, “Computational modeling and analysis of mechanical power consumption in train assemblers’ work,” Proceedings of International Conference on Applied Innovation in IT, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 419-426, 2025, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.25673/120513.
R. Salmorbekova and M. Talipov, “Digital risk matrix and safety management workflow for airport infrastructure in developing countries: a data-driven prioritization approach,” Vibroengineering Procedia, vol. 62, pp. 653-661, Jun. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.21595/vp.2026.26121.
U. Gretzel, M. Sigala, Z. Xiang, and C. Koo, “Smart tourism: Foundations and developments,” Electronic Markets, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 179-188, 2015, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-015-0196-8.
T. Radianti, M. A. Majchrzak, J. Fromm, and I. Wohlgenannt, “A systematic review of immersive virtual reality applications for higher education: Design elements, lessons learned, and research agenda,” Computers & Education, vol. 147, p. 103778, 2020, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103778.
F. J. García-Peñalvo, “Digital Transformation in Higher Education: The Need for Pedagogical Innovation,” Education in the Knowledge Society, vol. 22, pp. 1-15, 2021, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.14201/eks.25418.
D. A. Kolb, Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development, 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA: Pearson Education, 2015.
Y. Zhao and S. H. Hwang, “Teaching problem solving and critical thinking through online project-based learning,” Educational Technology Research and Development, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1403-1423, 2021, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09938-0.