Evaluation of the impact of hackathons in education

Abstract

Hackathons in education are increasingly recognized for their immersive learning experiences, emphasizing problem-solving and diverse innovation. Despite their acknowledged role in curricular innovation, there remains a gap in understanding their impact on student learning outcomes. This study employs the PRISMA methodology to evaluate the impact of educational hackathons, drawn from IEEE, Google Scholar and Scopus databases between 2015 and 2023. Thirty relevant research papers were found to be relevant for review highlighting hackathons’ crucial role in promoting teamwork, skills acquisition, positive learning outcomes and increased student enthusiasm and engagement. However, challenges such as cultural diversity and resource constraints hinder their seamless integration into educational settings. This study underscores the importance of addressing implementation challenges despite hackathons’ positive impacts on learning. It offers valuable insights for educators and policymakers, suggesting the potential for hackathons to effectively prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern world. Further research is recommended to refine strategies and optimize the benefits of integrating hackathons in education.