With the rapid development of e-learning in higher education, this study explores the application of the problem-based learning (PBL) learning model in the e-learning ecosystem. This article explores the concept of participatory engagement in the e-learning ecosystem and integrates it with PBL theory through the use of ICT to support interaction and collaboration. The research method used is R&D learning models in the Heavy Equipment Technology course at Universitas Negeri Padang. The research findings should be interpreted cautiously due to limitations such as differences in contexts across various courses and factors related to technology implementation in the learning environment. The study results show that it can improve learning outcomes and students’ critical thinking skills. Specifically, 70% have implemented Bloom’s cognitive taxonomy Level C4 and above, aided by a self-reflection participation process that enables students to reflect on content, learning processes, and understanding through internal dialogue, generating new ideas and solutions. This is evidenced by the results of the Path Coefficients test with P-Value EE → LO 0.050 and PBL → LO 0.046, as well as Specific Indirect Effect EE → SPR → LO 0.003 and PBL → SPE → LO 0.047 where the value is ≤ 0.05. The implications include guidance for designing effective e-learning ecosystems and adaptive learning strategies in higher education. Future research is recommended to further explore the impact of this integration and develop more effective PBL models in diverse courses and other educational institutions.

Commercial low-rise buildings are often characterized by weak energy performances, and heat transfers through roof and ground are prevalent. The roof design and its opening system is a key factor of the thermal performance. Skylights and radiative properties of roof coating have a direct impact on solar gains, thermal losses and natural ventilation potential. The overall performance depends on the combination of these design parameters (solar reflectance and opening size), on the weather conditions and on the inertia given by the slab on the ground. The roof design performance depends on the ground which determines the dynamic behavior of these buildings. A generic case study is modeled and an extensive parametric study (about 840 annual simulations) is performed to point out these key parameters’ impacts on energy demand and comfort. The combination of efficient roof techniques (skylights and cool roof) along with a high thermal inertia of the building can be an adequate passive cooling solution in summer, with a 99.8% drop in degree-hours above the discomfort temperature in summer. Nevertheless, we show that these passive strategies could not be totally efficient without taking care of the ground thermal inertia which account up to 58.6%.