Mapping the Ecosystem: Identifying and Validating Constructs for Drone Integration in Malaysian Education

The integration of drone technology in Malaysian schools remains limited due to fragmented policies, limited training, and infrastructural constraints. To bridge this gap, this study aims to identify and validate the core constructs and key elements necessary to build an ecosystem that facilitates the optimal integration of drone technology by teachers and students within the school environment. Guided by an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach, the qualitative phase employed Grounded Theory through expert focus group discussions and open-ended questionnaires to extract relevant construct. Six key constructs emerged: Drone Handling and Safety, Career Pathways, Structured Training, Collaborative Network Models, Competitions and Innovation Platforms, and School Governance. These constructs were then operationalized into a survey instrument for quantitative validation involving 305 respondents across the education and drone sectors. Data analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) confirmed the model’s construct validity, with all constructs demonstrating acceptable levels of convergent and discriminant validity. The findings offer a validated ecosystem to support the structured and safe implementation of drone programs in schools, aligned with Malaysia’s Digital Education Policy and STEM-TVET agenda. This study contributes to the development of evidence-based policy and practice by providing a reliable model that can inform future implementation and innovation in drone-based education.