Month: August 2024

mBlock Programming 2024/6 – SK Jengka Pusat 2

A synopsis of the program can be retrieved via the following link.

In the program, 40 participants from SK Jengka Pusat 2, Jerantut were introduced to mBlock programming, learning to use its graphical interface to create sequences of instructions. They explored sequential programming, conditional statements, and loops through hands-on tutorials. These foundational skills were applied in two projects: a Snake game and a Pac-Man game. In the Snake game, they programmed the snake’s movement, growth, and collision detection, while in the Pac-Man game, they navigated a maze, collected points, and avoided ghosts. This approach provided a comprehensive understanding of programming concepts and their practical applications.

Appreciation to Cikgu Hailmy for coordinating the communication between the participants and UMPSA STEM Lab.

Pre-Test (Aug 16th)

Arduino Programming 2024/5 – UMPSA Year 1 (AI Assisted)

Synopsis on AI Assisted Learning @UMPSA STEM Lab module.

Today’s session involves interactive session for 32 first-year Electrical & Electronics Engineering students. These students, in their very first semester, were taking their initial steps into the world of computer programming and physical computing. Despite having no prior experience, they embarked on a journey that introduced them to the power and potential of AI-assisted learning.

The session was designed with a clear objective to demystify the basics of Arduino programming and physical computing while leveraging AI tools to make the learning process more intuitive and accessible. For many of these students, this was their first exposure to the intricacies of coding and the fascinating world of microcontrollers. The use of AI in the learning process provided a significant boost, enabling them to grasp complex concepts more easily and with greater confidence.

The essence of the session was a series of six hands-on activities, each carefully crafted to build upon the previous one, ensuring a gradual yet comprehensive learning experience. These activities were designed not only to teach the basics of programming and electronics but also to illustrate how AI can be a valuable ally in the learning process.

During the session, students were introduced to the Arduino platform, gaining a solid understanding of its components and the vast potential it holds for creating interactive projects. This foundational knowledge was crucial as it set the stage for the more complex tasks that followed. Leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT, students witnessed firsthand how AI could assist in generating and debugging code, making the learning process more efficient. This activity demonstrated the practical benefits of AI, especially in reducing the learning curve for beginners.

As they progressed, the students engaged in the classic “Hello World” of Arduino by writing simple code to control an LED, an experience that built their confidence and deepened their understanding of digital outputs. The next step in their learning journey was the traffic light simulation project, where they applied control structures to manage multiple outputs. This project not only taught them the intricacies of timing and logic but also encouraged them to think critically about how these elements interact in real-world applications.

Further advancing their skills, the students used AI-generated code to integrate sensors like photoresistors into their projects, introducing them to the world of analog inputs and sensor data processing. The session culminated in an activity where they used an ultrasonic sensor to measure distance, with real-time results displayed, helping them grasp the concepts of pulse measurement and the practical application of their coding skills in tangible, real-world scenarios.

To all RE students, nice meeting you and hope to see you again in the future.

Nurul – August 17th

mBlock Programming 2024/4 – Sekolah Datuk Abdul Razak

A synopsis of the program can be retrieved via the following link.

In the program, 63 participants from Sekolah Datuk Abdul Razak were introduced to mBlock programming, learning to use its graphical interface to create sequences of instructions. They explored sequential programming, conditional statements, and loops through hands-on tutorials. These foundational skills were applied in two projects: a Snake game and a Pac-Man game. In the Snake game, they programmed the snake’s movement, growth, and collision detection, while in the Pac-Man game, they navigated a maze, collected points, and avoided ghosts. This approach provided a comprehensive understanding of programming concepts and their practical applications.

Appreciation to Cikgu Azlinda for coordinating the communication between the participants and UMPSA STEM Lab.

 

 

 

 

Arduino Programming 2024/4 – SMART Kuantan (AI Assisted)

Synopsis on AI Assisted Learning @UMPSA STEM Lab module.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Cikgu Hayati for her outstanding efforts in coordinating between the STEM Lab and the school for our recent AI-assisted Arduino programming class. Her dedication ensured smooth communication and a successful event.

In this session, 38 Form 2 students and teachers explored the basics of Arduino programming, enhanced by AI tools like ChatGPT. Activities included coding projects like LED blinking, traffic light simulations, and working with photoresistors. Students were actively engaged, learning how AI can assist in coding and troubleshooting.

Thank you again, Cikgu Hayati, for helping us inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts!

AI Assisted Learning – Arduino Programming

The UMPSA STEM Lab at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education. Their innovative approach to teaching Arduino programming, focusing on digital making through circuit construction and physical computing, is reshaping how students learn and engage with technology. This blog post outlines the structured activities, from Act 1 to Act 6, that UMPSA STEM Lab uses to achieve its educational goals.

The primary aim of this AI-assisted learning initiative is to enhance participants’ understanding of digital making and physical computing. By incorporating LLM AI tools such as ChatGPT, participants receive personalized assistance and real-time feedback, making the learning process more interactive and effective.

The AI-assisted Arduino programming course was structured into six progressive activities designed to build students’ skills in digital making and physical computing. The course began with Act 1: LED Blinking, where students were introduced to basic Arduino programming by generating code with AI to make an LED blink. This foundational activity allowed students to learn how to use AI for simple code generation. In Act 2: Traffic Light, students developed debugging skills by analyzing and correcting pre-existing, buggy code to simulate a traffic light system, with AI assisting in identifying and fixing errors.

Act 3: Photoresistor Diode focused on introducing students to the concept of a photoresistor, using AI to both research the component and generate the necessary Arduino code. Building on this, Act 4: Conditional Statement with Photoresistor Diode and LED taught students to modify AI-generated code, incorporating conditional statements that controlled an LED based on light levels. In Act 5: Capstone Project, students applied their accumulated knowledge in a comprehensive project that integrated all the concepts learned, from coding to circuit construction, with AI available for guidance throughout.

The final activity, Act 6: Ultrasonic Sensors, emphasized AI code comprehension, where students analyzed AI-generated code for using an ultrasonic sensor and implemented it in their projects. This activity further developed their understanding of physical computing and prepared them for more advanced applications.

The approach taken by UMPSA STEM Lab in incorporating AI-assisted learning into Arduino programming is not just innovative but also highly effective. By breaking down the learning process into structured activities, students gain a thorough understanding of digital making and physical computing. The integration of AI tools like ChatGPT ensures that students receive personalized assistance, making the learning experience more engaging and successful.

As AI continues to evolve, the possibilities for its integration into education are endless. The UMPSA STEM Lab’s approach looks into how AI can revolutionize learning, and it sets a benchmark for other institutions to follow. With continued innovation and adaptation, AI-assisted learning can lead to a new era of education where students are more empowered and prepared for the technological challenges of the future.

mBlock Programming 2024/4 – SK Tanjong Batu

A synopsis of the program can be retrieved via the following link.

In the program, 30 participants from SK Tanjong Batu were introduced to mBlock programming, learning to use its graphical interface to create sequences of instructions. They explored sequential programming, conditional statements, and loops through hands-on tutorials. These foundational skills were applied in two projects: a Snake game and a Pac-Man game. In the Snake game, they programmed the snake’s movement, growth, and collision detection, while in the Pac-Man game, they navigated a maze, collected points, and avoided ghosts. This approach provided a comprehensive understanding of programming concepts and their practical applications.

Appreciation to Cikgu Zurina for coordinating the communication between the participants and UMPSA STEM Lab.

Web Development 2024/1 – Sekolah Sains Dato’ Abdul Razak

UMPSA STEM Lab Synopsis

A web development course with 36 secondary school students and teachers from Sekolah Dato’ Abdul Razak, Seremban. The hands-on program took participants from the basics of HTML to advanced JavaScript, guiding them through the creation of interactive web-based games. Using W3Schools’ online simulator, everyone got to code, test, and see their work come to life in real-time.

From learning to structure web pages with HTML to diving into programming concepts like control loops, variables, and object-oriented programming, participants left the course equipped with the skills and confidence to take on the digital world.

A big thank you to Cikgu Azlinda for her commitment, dedication and support throughout the program.

Web Development Synopsis

At UMPSA STEM Lab, we are committed to equipping students and teachers with the essential skills needed for the digital world. This web development course took participants from the basics of HTML to the intricacies of JavaScript, culminating in the creation of interactive web-based games. All coding exercises were conducted using W3Schools’ online simulator, allowing participants to test and run their code in real-time.

Starting with the Basics- HTML

The journey began with an introduction to HTML, the fundamental language used to structure web pages. Students and teachers were guided through the use of HTML tags, attributes, and elements, learning how to build the backbone of a webpage. Using the W3Schools online simulator, participants were able to immediately apply what they learned, experimenting with code in a safe and supportive environment. This immediate feedback loop helped solidify their understanding of HTML’s core principles.

Transitioning to Interactivity – JavaScript

Once the participants had a solid grasp of HTML, the course transitioned to JavaScript, the language that adds interactivity to web pages. Students and teachers explored JavaScript’s capabilities, learning how to create functions, handle events, and manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM). The W3Schools simulator was an invaluable tool in this phase, allowing participants to write, run, and debug their code directly in the browser. This practical approach ensured that learners could see the results of their code in real-time, deepening their understanding of how JavaScript brings web pages to life.

Creating Interactive Games- Applying Programming Concepts

The highlight of the course was the creation of interactive web-based games. Participants were introduced to key programming concepts such as control loops, variables, conditionals, and functions, all within the context of game development. By applying these concepts, students and teachers learned how to design and code simple, yet engaging games that could be played directly within a web browser.

The use of W3Schools’ simulator allowed for an interactive learning experience where participants could iteratively develop and improve their games. This hands-on project not only reinforced their understanding of programming concepts but also provided a tangible outcome that showcased their newly acquired skills.

Object-Oriented Programming -A Step Towards Advanced Coding

As the course progressed, participants were introduced to the basics of object-oriented programming (OOP). This module covered the creation of classes and objects, as well as the implementation of methods, which are essential for more complex and scalable coding projects. By incorporating OOP into their game development projects, students and teachers gained a deeper appreciation for the structure and organization of code, a critical skill for any aspiring developer.

Conclusion

The web development course at UMPSA STEM Lab successfully provided 36 secondary school students and teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to create interactive web content. Through a carefully structured curriculum that combined theoretical learning with practical application, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of HTML and JavaScript.

The use of W3Schools’ online simulator was central to the course’s success, offering a real-time coding environment that encouraged experimentation and learning through doing. This approach not only built the participants’ confidence in their coding abilities but also demonstrated the power of hands-on learning in mastering complex subjects.

As we continue to deliver cutting-edge educational programs, we are proud to play a role in shaping the next generation of web developers. By empowering students and teachers with practical, real-world skills, we are helping them to navigate and contribute to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.