Improving Learning Experiences with Project Development and Problem-Solving Using Microcontroller – A Case Study

Abstract

This paper presented an innovative teaching practice to promote problem-based learning via an Internet of Things (IoT) and Arduino microcontroller workshop. This educational research evaluates the participants’ improvements in terms of the knowledge, confidence level and motivation. The participants included multi-disciplinary engineering students, who have enrolled in Electrical Systems (ELEN1000), whereby they completed all given tasks in teams and within a limited time. At the end, total of 91 respondents’ feedback was accumulated and analyzed via descriptive, T-test and ANOVA analysis. T-test 1 (p = 0.08135) found that the workshop improved participants’ excitement. T-test 2 (p = 0.1323) explained that the workshop activities help to visualize the learned knowledge. Nevertheless, T-test 3 (p = 0.02) implied that the developed confidence level did not improve respondents’ capability to generate spontaneous ideas. T-test 4 (p = 0.15999) highlighted that respondents are impressed with their capabilities after viewing the results. ANOVA Test 1 revealed that knowledge visualization significantly enhanced participants’ confidence levels; however, it was insufficient to substantially improve their ability to generate spontaneous ideas for problem-solving. These findings suggest the need for additional activities that expose participants to a broader range of IoT applications. Overall, all respondents reported highly positive perceptions of the workshop and expressed inspiration to utilize microcontrollers in their future projects.