Design activity is one of the most important components of the professional image of a modern engineer. This type of activity significantly increases the effectiveness of educational programs. The participation of students in the implementation of complex projects on real topics contributes to the rapid acquisition of professional competencies. The EduScrum methodology allows students to participate in real project team activities and effective interpersonal interaction. The most serious challenge of our time is the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced restrictions on personal contacts damage business processes. However, the correct process control mechanism ensures their stability. The functionality of the EduScrum methodology allows the project activities to continue. The efficiency of project activities in the field of IT projects has even increased in some cases. The restrictions helped to optimize the project activities of the team. It was revealed that the high efficiency of the CDIO methodology implementation is ensured by the involvement of students in the implementation of socially-oriented IT projects. The impact of project activities on increasing motivation and academic performance was assessed.