Designing and implementing a constructionist approach for improving the teaching–learning process in the embedded systems and wireless communications areas

Abstract

Nowadays, there has been a real change in the traditional (Mexican) methodology for learning and teaching; the teaching of electronic sciences needs to identify the real necessities of students to avoid deficiencies in static classrooms. The benefits of the constructionist theory as a learning paradigm are widely recognized, because they support significant learning environments where students are actively related in implementing their own public artifacts; passing through passive to active learning states. Thus, the constructionist theory stresses the need to understand the student's thinking and to encourage them to reflect on their models as a means to improve them. This article aims to show the results derived from developing a constructionist platform for embedded systems and wireless communications education, using a dedicated methodology based on the constructionist theory. ß

Design and Development of a BlueGS Gateway for Bluetooth and GSM Protocols

“…Bluetooth devices can communicate with each other using the frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS). Bluetooth devices are divided into three power classes, where the maximum output power levels of classes 1, 2 and 3 are set to 100 mW, 2.5 mW, and 1 mW respectively [11].…”

“…BlueGSM system implementation was done with the support of the methodology for the development of embedded systems SPIES [11], which is a specific methodology for modeling relationships between functionality, components, equipment and materials of an embedded system. SPIES consist of five phases describe at the follow (see Figure 3).…”

Integrating a learning constructionist environment and the instructional design approach into the definition of a basic course for embedded systems design

“…Instructional resources Bibliography Basic and consultation books. Hardware At least three training platforms for the development of embedded systems . Infrastructure Digital Systems Laboratory ( http://www.utm.mx/∼labcd/LabCD.htm). Software Support programs for the design and modeling of the platform. Scheduling 15 weeks, 5 h of class and lab work per week. …”

“…The knowledge units for the embedded systems design in Table 2 are related to Units ESY5: Reliable System Design and ESY6: Design Methodologies. The professor will introduce to students the constructionist platform [18] and Embedded Systems basics, explaining the usefulness of the tool and the future development of applications as course results The student will identify and perform a comparative analysis of the platforms for the development of embedded systems that exist, in order to identify components, prices, and specifications of each one The student will recognize that the design and construction of an embedded systems platform requires the evaluation of the components to be used depending on the technology in use The students will be separated in teams a and each team will explain possible proposals that will be discussed in the classroom 2. Planning to develop…”

An embedded system course using JavaME and android

“…The objective is to configure and control a short-wireless communication chip using AT commands and a Computer (Laptop or PC). The modules chosen are WRAP THOR 2022-1B2B or WT11 made by Bluegiga 6.…”