Donald M. Johnson, Will Doss, Christopher M. Estepp · Natural sciences education · 2024
Abstract Microcontrollers are widely used in agriculture, yet most undergraduate agriculture students do not have the programming skills necessary to make use of these devices in their academic programs or careers. However, generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have the ability to write complex microcontroller programs when properly queried. The study was conducted to determine the effects of undergraduate agriculture students’ ( n = 22) use of ChatGPT to write a microcontroller program on their programming task performance, self‐efficacy, and attitudes toward generative AI. Nine of 11 (81.8%) student pairs were successful in the ChatGPT‐assisted programming activity, requiring between one (33.3%) and six (11.1%) queries to develop their programs. The two unsuccessful pairs used either one or two queries and produced somewhat functional programs that did not fully operate as specified. Pre‐ and posttest surveys indicated significant ( p < 0.001) increases in self‐efficacy for writing microcontroller programs, for using ChatGPT to write microcontroller programs, and attitudes toward generative AI. This research confirmed that undergraduate agriculture students can successfully use generative AI chatbots to write microcontroller programs and that successful task completion increases student self‐efficacy. Further research is needed to determine best practices for using generative AI in teaching and learning microcontroller programming.
Cited by 7Open access
Jeng Howe Kong · Adelaide Research & Scholarship (AR&S) (University of Adelaide) · 2004
Conventional methods of programming microcontrollers using textual languages are hard to learn and are daunting to novice programmers seeking to learn microcontroller programming. Visual languages have always been regarded as a useful tool in helping non-programmers and novice-programmers to write programs. However there have been limited attempts at creating a visual language for microcontroller systems and there isn't a visual language for microcontrollers that is flexible and easy to use. This thesis presents a way of addressing the issue by creating a low level visual programming language for microcontroller systems. The low level visual programming language aims to alleviate the problem by using a fine grained language to improved flexibility and providing an integrated visual language environment in which users can focus on writing programs and solving problems. \nA visual language environment called CoreChart was developed for this purpose. CoreChart aims to simplify the process of programming microcontrollers by providing users with a tool to construct assembly programs visually. The visual language will utilize flow chart diagramming techniques to present users with a more meaningful view of the program. This allows users to focus on writing programs to solve problems, rather than on the rules and syntax of the language. The procedure of programming micro controllers is further simplified by automating the task of compiling the program and downloading the program into the microcontroller. A survey was conducted on university and high school students to evaluate the effectiveness of CoreChart.
Cited by 0Open access
Arif Şirinterlikçi · 2020
This study presents the effort to add microcontroller content to an industrial controls course in a manufacturing engineering program. Industrial control courses in manufacturing engineering programs typically cover Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's). In addition to the PLC content, the author has added hard-wired and integrated-circuit (IC) based elements to his course over the past few years. The schedule now encompasses simple but effective microcontroller content. VEX Robotics Design System and its Easy C programming language were selected due to their simplicity and engineering students' background in C++ programming. Students taking this controls course are assigned a simple fixed-goal task and work in teams to accomplish it. The task has been determined as navigating a rover robot through the department's Learning Factory. In the process, they learn about microcontrollers, their integration with sensors and actuators, and utilize their programming skills in a practical control application. Moreover, by taking the course students are exposed to a variety of technologies including hard-wired logic, IC's, PLC's, Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC's), and microcontrollers giving them the power of comparing and contrasting each element's capabilities and utilization areas. This activity is also the only exercise for the manufacturing engineering majors to utilize their highlevel programming knowledge and skills in an engineering problem unlike the software engineering majors within the department.
Cited by 1Open access
Steven F. Barrett, Daniel J. Pack · Synthesis lectures on digital circuits and systems · 2019
Cited by 1
Mohammad Wildan Habibi, I Gusti Putu Asto Buditjahjanto, Tri Rijanto et al. · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · 2025
This study analyzed the impact of an Internet of Things (IoT)- based microcontroller training kit on the psychomotor learning outcomes of vocational students learning microcontroller and microprocessor programming. Two classes were used in this study as samples, where the experimental class used an IoT-based training kit while the control class used a general microcontroller training kit. The assessment instrument was developed referring to Dave’s psychomotor taxonomy theory and was evaluated using validity and reliability tests (Cronbach’s Alpha > 0.87). The results of ANOVA showed that there were significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.000 < 0.05), and the mean psychomotor score of the experimental class (87) was higher than that of the control class (81). IoT learning media have been proven to not only improve psychomotor skills but also provide contextual and relevant learning experiences with the demands of industry 4.0. Thus, the use of IoT-based training kits is recommended as an innovative learning medium in vocational schools, especially in developing students’ applied skills directly and measurably.
Cited by 0
Довжанин, Вадим Володимирович, Dovzhanyn, Vadym · ELARTU (Ternopil National Technical University) · 2022
Довжанин В.В. Розробка автоматизованого програмноапаратного комплексу для програмування мікроконтролерів STM32. : кваліфікаційна робота бакалавра за спеціальністю „151 — автоматизація та комп’ютерно-інтегровані технології“ / О. В. Довжанин. — Тернопіль : ТНТУ, 2022. — 60 с.
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Iosr Journals, Patrick O. Olabisi, Israel Megbowon et al. · Figshare · 2015
Cited by 0Open access
Franc Vrbančič, Slavko Kocijančič · Education and Information Technologies · 2023
Abstract Microcontroller programming competencies contribute to the sustainable employability of engineering graduates of both higher and secondary education. To develop the required programming skills, one of the challenges for educators is to determine which programming environments should be implemented in introductory programming courses. Conceptually, graphical (e.g. iconic or diagrammatic) environments appear to be very different from textual environments. Our study focused on a programming course in a mechatronics vocational training programme at the secondary school level in Slovenia. To investigate the expectations of potential employers towards our graduates, we surveyed local companies. Out of 104 respondents, 90 (86.5%) expected graduates to be able to use various programming environments, including upcoming ones. In our study, we divided 114 students into two groups of equal prior knowledge. Group A started the course with a textual programming environment and switched to a graphical one in the second sequence, while group B followed a reverse sequence. Group A achieved better test results after both sequences. Knowledge transfer, as measured by normalised learning gains, was also in favour of group A. We concluded that it is more efficient to start with the textual environment and then continue with the graphical environment. The results of this study open up some challenges for further research to investigate the effectiveness of introductory programming courses based on programmable electronics with students of similar ages. Further research should consider the specific requirements of the different courses but should also the effectiveness of knowledge transfer between different programming environments.
Cited by 1Open access
Martin Pollák, Jozef Tkáč, Marek Kočiško · ICERI proceedings · 2021
At universities for many years, teachers have focused on improving the teaching of robotics through the possibility of involving students in practical activities in laboratories and in cooperation with companies. Robotics, as a rapidly evolving discipline and increasingly demanding for industry, is constantly evolving, and this is closely related to the need to develop teachers' knowledge and skills in this area. Practical tasks assigned to students in the teaching process are a very good motivation for students, for their development of thinking and teamwork in solving assigned tasks, as well as for their subsequent facilitation of integration into production practice. Educational robots can be programmed, resp. control using various software and hardware solutions. There are several software on the market that is used to operate the robot, such as off-line simulation software ABB Robot Studio, RoboDK, DobotStudio, etc. Today, there are a large number of different freely distributable extension platforms on the market for creating management programs. Arduino is one of the most widely used platforms in the world. It is very popular in several areas, especially for its wide range of uses. It is most often used in electronics, 3D printers as well as to control production processes and robots, due to its small size and ease of programming. Various plug-ins and devices can be connected to the device for a wide range of ports. A suitable tool for teaching robotics is the Dobot Magician educational robotic arm, which is used mainly for practical teaching at secondary schools and universities. Several expansion modules can be purchased for the Dobot robotic arm, such as the Arduino Kit, primarily intended for the possibility of developing students' teaching in the field of programming small educational robots. Part of the additional educational set Arduino Kit from the company DOBOT is a microcontroller board Arduino Mega 2560, for which the company has developed an expansion platform with connectors for connecting other devices, such as buttons, LED identifiers, voice module and camera. This set becomes an interesting solution for developing students' understanding of programming extended robot movement commands via the Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller with ATmega2560 processor, which provides all required calculations with direct integration on the main board of the Arduino programming set. The student as a programmer is able to implement various projects with the help of the Arduino Kit, based on the required functions that the robotic arm and Dobot accessories have to perform. The article deals with the description of the accessories of the Arduino Kit with a reference to the possibility of additional programming of the Dobot Magician robot control. Through the programming set, the student is offered the opportunity to work with software and hardware, as well as to develop their skills and imagination in creating interesting projects in the field of educational robotics.
Cited by 2
FUTACI, Suha · DergiPark (Istanbul University) · 2012
In many microcontroller based embedded system projects the object oriented programming is not considered because of the extremely limited resources and relatively large code generated by the compilers.Usually C, assembly and mixed C-Assembly language programming is dominating these applications.In some cases even the size of the code generated by a very efficient C compiler is unacceptable.So in many projects the advantages of the object oriented programming are not realized.In this paper, the use of object oriented programming techniques in the absence of sufficient resources is emphasized.There are significant driving factors limiting the cost of the microcontrollers and limiting their resources.On the other hand consumers expects more functions from the microcontroller applications.It is shown that object oriented analysis/design techniques and programming can still be used to the extent that most of the benefits of object-oriented programming can be realized if the suitable mechanisms are employed.
Cited by 0Open access
Anges Akim Aminou Moussavou, Marco Adonis · 2013
2013 Joint International Conference on Engineering Education and Research and International Conference on Information Technology
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Irwan Nova, Ana Uzla BatuBara, Mandapot Tua Naibaho · International Journal of Health Engineering and Technology · 2026
Based on the title above, this scientific paper aims to analyze the Arduino Uno programming on the Magnetic Stirrer Hotplate tool with the addition of a timer. The Magnetic Stirrer Hotplate functions to homogenize the solution at a certain temperature, rpm and time. If the set timer has been reached, the buzzer will turn on, which aims to let the operator or user know that the tool has finished mixing the chemicals. The results of the microcontroller programming test on the timer control circuit using the C++ language were successfully carried out and the circuit functioned according to the programming instructions..
Cited by 0Open access
Iosr Journals, Olabisi Patrick, Israel Megbowon et al. · Figshare · 2015
Considering the versatility of usefulness and ease of control of the DC motor both for domestic, industrial and entertainment, research works have continued unabated on further and better ways to achieve its control. Among the many methods used in the control of the speed of a DC motor the microcontroller - based method was adapted in a closed-loop real time control system approach making use of the PIC16F877A with a program in Flow Code developed to implement a feasible control system. The PIC16F877A microcontroller was programmed and used for the control of the speed of DC motors at the desired speed range of up to 500 - 600 rpm with variation of load. An LCD was used to display the feedback motor speed signal fed back to the controller.
Cited by 1Open access
Satrinawati Satrinawati, Dedy Irfan, Efrizon Efrizon · Jurnal Teknologi Informasi dan Pendidikan · 2023
The application of an augmented reality system to the Atmega 2560 microcontroller trainer kit is a tool designed to create learning methods that are interactive, fun, motivating, and provide space for students to develop creativity and independence. This research uses research and development (R&D) methods. This research and development consists of a preliminary study stage, needs analysis, design, manufacture, testing of tool specifications and the final stage is product evaluation with expert opinion. The development of this microcontroller trainer kit has three main parts, namely the microprocessor, input and output. The microcontroller used is the ATmega 2560. By using augmented reality technology and adding electronic components such as DC motors, servo motors, ultrasonic sensors, this tool can be used in sensor and transducer learning. Apart from learning sensors, this trainer kit can also be applied to learning microcontrollers and their applications. This trainer kit is equipped with a practicum module as a support in learning. Through the microcontroller trainer kit and Augmented reality system, it is hoped that student competency will be better.
Cited by 1Open access
King, Nina Nikita · Digital Library (University of West Bohemia) · 2023
Diploma thesis „Programming a single-board microcontroller with block language for primary \nschools” deals with benefits of learning pro-gramming in primary schools. It implements this \ntopic into the Frame-work Educational Programme for Elementary Education and divides and \ncompares single-board computers and block programming lan-guages. This thesis includes \nmaterial with activities dealing with the topic of programming an Arduino board with mBlock. \nThe theses incor-porates how the material was made and describes its implementation into \nreal lessons.
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Nova Eka Budiyanta, Hanugra Aulia Sidharta, Vivi Triyanti et al. · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Charitas · 2025
This study presents a community based workshop designed to enhance digital literacy through hands-on learning that combines microcontroller programming and three-dimensional (3D) design. The activity adopted a Do It Yourself (DIY) approach to bridge theoretical understanding and practical skills. Participants, consisting of students and young learners, developed a functional digital clock using an Arduino based microcontroller and designed its custom 3D printed enclosure. A mixed-method evaluation was conducted to assess learning outcomes. Quantitative results from a post activity questionnaire showed a high satisfaction level, with an overall mean score of 3.41, categorized as very high across five learning aspects which are motivation, comprehension, facilitation, relevance, and reflective impact. Qualitative feedback supported these findings, indicating that participants gained confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding through direct experimentation and collaborative mentoring. The results confirm that short term, project based workshops can effectively improve digital competence and creative confidence in community settings. Integrating accessible hardware and affordable fabrication tools provides a scalable model for STEM oriented education. The initiative demonstrates how experiential learning can promote innovation, problem solving, and technological empowerment, offering a sustainable framework for future programs in digital literacy and maker based education.
Cited by 0Open access
Pedro Pozelli, Rangel Arthur, João Vitor de Alcantara Viana · Resumos do... · 2019
This research aims to develop a low cost controller for a robotic arm using direct current motors, encoders and a microcontroller from Microchip®, providing an alternative to the commonly used servomotors. The control is defined by software, which is interesting for didactic purposes regarding robotics at different levels of training, facilitating the dissemination of technologies aimed at Industry 4.0.
Cited by 6Open access
Kitti Surpare, Kanokwan Klinieam · 2020
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Farhad Muhsin Mahmood, Saman Sarkawt Jaafar, Renas Wali Mustafa et al. · NTU Journal of Renewable Energy · 2022
This paper is regarding the design and program of a Microcontroller Arduino Uno board using Arduino software to work as a photo-sensor (Active) Single Axis Solar Tracker System (SASTS). A solar panel, two photo-resistors which are also known as Light-Dependent Resistors (LDRs) on two sides (north/south) of the photovoltaic (PV,) and a servo motor are connected to the Uno board, which is previously running a code that is prepared by Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) then it works as a tracking system. Here, the LDRs send the signal of the presence or absence of the light to the board and based on that signal the Uno reflects a new signal to the servo motor to rotate and find the light source. Lastly, the photo sensor single-axis tracker is made. While the system tries to move the panel face to the sun and change the irradiance intensity, in the meantime it starts a search to find the angle of the highest irradiance. Based on the results that are extracted from the data, the tracker system significantly boosts the output power ratio of the solar panel. Through using the Micro-controller Uno board, LDRs, servo motor, and specially designed mechanical base, the tracking system is constructed, determined from acquired data the influence of the STS on increasing the solar panel power ratio is tremendously obvious. Significantly, the tracker system rises the power ratio of the PV system. Significantly, the tracker system raises the power ratio of the PV. As a result, the tracker system remarkably boosts the output power ratio of the solar panel and increases by up to 32.18%.
Cited by 3Open access
Patricia Avitia Carlos, Bernabé Rodríguez-Tapia, Norma Candolfi Arballo et al. · 2023
The social distancing imposed by Covid-19 impacted the development of educational activities at all levels. Engineering education was specially challenged by the suspension of face-to-face activities, which paused the development of laboratory practices. The present work accounts for the design of virtual learning experiences in a Microcontrollers course. The free online tools “Tinkercad Circuits” and “Arduino” were used to simulate circuit programming and connections. These tools also allowed remote collaboration between students and teachers during lockdown. The results of the Mechatronics Engineering students (n=30) show that programming skills and hardware knowledge were developed. Additionally, the activities had a positive response from the students. On the other hand, according to the psychomotor domain taxonomy, the students had obstacles to their full development. It is concluded on the importance of integrating simulation to the development of activities and laboratory practices, as well as the advantages of hybrid teaching formats.
Cited by 2