Category: Information

Hello BTE-ian and DRE-ian,

It’s officially a wrap. Thank you!

I hope you enjoyed the classes as much as I do.

 

Senior Design Project sharing

Project quarantine

As the semester draws to a close, Week 14 marked the end of our BTE/DRE classes with a comprehensive and reflective session. Let’s revisit our achievements, connect with inspiring senior projects, and engage in meaningful discussions about our learning experiences. Here’s a recap of the highlights from this final class.

A. Revisiting Targeted Learning Outcomes

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) to reflect on the skills and knowledge gained throughout the semester:

The activities in class (week 1 – Week 13) are aligned with these outcomes, from setting up Raspberry Pi devices to developing functional Python programs and integrating hardware components into practical projects.

B. Learning from Senior Design Projects

Presentations by five senior students attached to the UMPSA STEM Lab, where they shared their design projects, providing insights into advanced applications of Raspberry Pi, the UMPSA STEM Cube, and sensors like LiDAR and cameras. Their projects demonstrated the application of technology in analytics and problem-solving, including:

• Environmental monitoring systems using Raspberry Pi and sensors.
• Autonomous navigation projects leveraging LiDAR for spatial awareness.
• UMPSA STEM Cube-based solutions for data collection and analytics.
• Camera-enabled AI systems for image recognition and analysis.
• Innovative control systems that integrate various sensors for precision tasks.

These presentations served as a source of inspiration and a roadmap for how you can build on their foundational skills to tackle complex, real-world problems.

C. Reviewing the Pedagogical Approach used in BTE1522 and DRE2213 – Project-Based Learning

This semester’s pedagogy centered on project-based learning, emphasizing active participation and hands-on experience. The two primary projects included:

1. Slider Game Development
   • You’ve applied Python programming concepts to create a fully functional video game. This activity fostered an understanding of variables, loops, control structures, and debugging techniques.
2. Digital Making Projects
   • These involved integrating Raspberry Pi and sensors to develop functional hardware solutions, such as digital input/output systems, conditional statements, and data display mechanisms.

By engaging in these projects, I believe you have learned programming through the process of building and problem-solving. This approach not only reinforced technical skills but also encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and resilience in troubleshooting challenges.

D. Reflective Discussion and Deliberation

To conclude the session, we engaged in a reflective discussion with the following prompts:

1. What Have You Learned in the Class?
   • Students shared their newfound skills, such as configuring Raspberry Pi devices, writing Python programs, and integrating hardware with software.
   • Many emphasized how the hands-on projects deepened their understanding of programming and hardware interaction.
2. What Was the Most Challenging Aspect, and What Could Be Improved?
   • Challenges included debugging complex code, understanding hardware limitations, and managing time during project development.
   • Suggestions for improvement included more guided tutorials, additional practice sessions, and collaborative troubleshooting workshops.

These discussions highlighted the growth and resilience students developed while navigating challenges and celebrated their achievements in mastering new skills.

This semester’s journey through BTE/DRE courses has been a testament to the power of learning by doing. From developing Python games to building digital solutions with Raspberry Pi, I hope you have not only gained technical expertise but also cultivated problem-solving skills and design thinking.

As we wrapped up the class, I hope you felt a sense of accomplishment and inspiration, ready to apply your skills to future endeavors. The combination of project-based learning and reflective discussions has provided a strong foundation for continued growth in programming and hardware development.

I look forward to seeing how you, the budding innovators =) will use your skills to create impactful solutions in the years to come.

 

This week at the UMPSA STEM Lab, it’s a celebration weeks of effort, creativity, and learning as students from BTE1522 and DRE2323 showcased their project progress during their Week 13 presentations :), very well done.

The project list for this semester

This session marked a critical checkpoint in the Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach, where students demonstrated their understanding of concepts learned from Week 1 to Week 8.

The Essence of Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning is more than just a teaching method—it’s a transformative approach to mastering coding and physical computing. Through hands-on activities, students delve into real-world challenges, integrating knowledge from various topics and applying it to create meaningful projects.

In the case of BTE1522 and DRE2323, this journey began with developing Python-based games and culminated in complex physical computing projects using Raspberry Pi and microcontrollers like the Pi Pico. By “learning through doing,” students gained practical skills in coding, troubleshooting, debugging, and tinkering—key competencies for future engineers and technologists.

The Week 13 Presentations

Students from both classes, DRE2213 and BTE1522 built on their foundational Python programming knowledge by creating interactive games in the early weeks, such as slider games and arcade-style challenges. These games taught them the core principles of programming, including variables, loops, and control structures.

For their projects, they transitioned to physical computing, integrating Raspberry Pi with sensors and hardware to develop innovative systems. Projects included:

1. Environmental Monitoring Systems
   • Combining Python with IoT sensors for real-time data tracking.
2. Interactive Learning Devices
   • Using Raspberry Pi to create tools that gamify education.

They then focused on blending Python programming with hardware integration. Their projects reflected their grasp of advanced concepts like data acquisition, cloud integration, and system automation. Some notable projects included:

1. Weather Journaling with OLED Displays
   • Utilizing Python and I2C sensors for environmental data visualization.
2. Smart Agriculture Solutions
   • Leveraging Raspberry Pi for precision farming techniques, such as soil moisture monitoring and climate control.

Learning Through Challenges

The journey from Week 9 to Week 13 was filled with challenges that tested the students’ knowledge and resilience. Key lessons included:

1. Troubleshooting and Debugging
   • Students learned that errors are part of the process. Debugging their code helped them understand the nuances of programming.
2. Tinkering with Hardware
   • Physical computing required students to experiment with hardware configurations, teaching them patience and adaptability.
3. Collaboration and Problem-Solving
   • Teamwork was essential, as students shared insights and supported one another in overcoming technical hurdles.

Why Project-Based Learning Works

Coding is best learned by doing, and PBL offers a structured yet flexible framework to foster active learning. By working on tangible projects, students not only consolidate theoretical knowledge but also develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Looking Ahead

The Week 13 presentations are not the end but a milestone in the students’ journey. The feedback received during the session will guide them as they refine their projects in the coming weeks. The final showcase will demonstrate not just their technical expertise but also their growth as innovators and problem solvers.

Well done everyone!