Emerging Hardware Prototyping Technologies as Tools for Learning

Abstract

Integrating hardware prototyping platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone Board in education is becoming more prevalent as the number of courses utilizing such platforms is continuously increasing. In this work, we conduct an analytical investigation on the plurality of courses that utilize or integrate hardware prototyping platforms. We examine curriculum and instructional material (e.g. course syllabi or outlines) through publicly available web informational resources (e.g. search engines). We use this data to determine the degree to which these platforms are used as effective learning technologies in existing courses. We further use this data to determine hardware platforms integration statistics and distribution based on the number of courses, types of platforms employed and institutions using them as learning technologies. This statistical data can be used to help determine the current status of the utilization and adoption rate of hardware prototyping platforms into courses. In this paper, we present evidence that hardware prototyping technologies are employed as tools for teaching and learning. Based on examining forty five universities worldwide, we determine that there are on average nine unique courses per university which utilize or integrate a variety of these platforms into courses. We also determine that 75% of these courses are Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math-(STEM-) based while 25% are Non-STEM. We further use our findings to provide insights on the extent to which educational institutions are utilizing these platforms as learning technologies and applying project-based or experiential learning approaches as part of their curriculum development.

Information Technologies that Help Improve Academic Performance, A Review of the Literature

“…[37], [38], [39], [40] Likewise, social networks can be used as a learning platform, for example, the use of a social network such as Facebook Gaming (FBG) was a change very accepted by students since it is not only a known platform but also allows live interaction, changing the approach to the use of social networks [28], similarly, mobile technology helped to enhance academic performance in different educational institutions in the world, being a learning tool that improves skills and academic results; such as the development of the IMELS Android application, using MySql and the Java programming language, added to this the implementation of Moodle (web learning platform) [20], thus allowing free access at any time and place, see Figure 11. It is demonstrated that its implementation contributes to inclusive education through a specific game for children with dyslexia called FORDYS-VAR [13] Figure 12 although it is in the beta phase, detecting errors to solve them, and children with dyslexia has no complications in understanding the game, they managed to obtain an influence and understanding of the high impact on these children.…”

“…[37], [60], [38], [39], [61], [40] There is evidence of a greater number of investigations in the incorporation of ICT, through virtual sessions on different platforms, as well as the use of pedagogical tools such as Google Classroom, Edmodo, Padlet, Popplet, and Kahoo, among others. Followed by the development of mobile applications with augmented reality, for the teaching of biology, astronomy, geometry, languages, etc.…”

“…[37], [38], [39], [40] From Table 3 and Figure 7, it is evident that mobile technology and augmented/ virtual reality have had a greater impact on the creation and use of applications related to the academic environment. M-learning, learning through mobile technology, is a current trend that is constantly increasing, thanks to the large consumption of these devices for their fast and instant access to routine activities [20], as well as the Moodle tool, is a good resource for managing information in a system, allowing users to interact and learn at any time.…”

A Learning Module to Design Printed Circuit Boards for IoT-Based Devices

“…are being employed as enabling tools in the prototyping process of IoT devices, given its versatility, peripheral integration structure, among others features [2]. These platforms also act as essential educational tools for the practical development of applications by students, who take advantage of these tools' computational and hardware capabilities to prototype their solutions, that may integrate different sensors, actuators, and other peripherals [3].…”

A Hybrid Methodology to Improve Speaking Skills in English Language Learning Using Mobile Applications

“…Due to the lockdown caused by the pandemic in 2020, the need for a digital transformation in all aspects of society arose. In the educational field, many educational institutions opted for the use of emerging technologies for teaching practice [6]. That is why mobile learning, as an emerging technology, has become an important tool in the teaching-learning process.…”