Enhancing Sustainable Vocational Education through a Collaborative Virtual Makerspace Integrated with Steam-2C

This research aims to improve sustainable vocational learning by developing a Collaborative Virtual Makerspace integrated with STEAM-2C principles, using the ADDIE model. The study identifies the core needs of Vocational High School (SMK) students in their learning processes, especially regarding Technical Skills, Collaboration and Communication, and the Access and Cost of existing educational media. For this purpose, the project primarily focuses on developing three key features for the Vocaspace platform: discussion boards, projectbased learning, and a collaboration assessment tool. It was determined that using such tools within a virtual learning environment significantly changed the behaviour and performance of SMK students, thereby improving their collaboration and communication in a technology-rich environment. This study has limitations, such as the scope of testing across a greater number of vocational disciplines and the technological hurdles, insofar as ensuring that all students have equal access to the technology. Future research should focus on how scalable the platform is, its efficacy across various vocational fields, and strategies to overcome technological barriers and ensure broad accessibility. These are essential steps for optimising the effectiveness of virtual learning environments in vocational education towards long-term sustainability.