Light Communicates. Yes it does!

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Airplane Lights

Engaging young minds in STEM outreach programs is a rewarding endeavor, whether the engagement involves the simplest or most advanced activities =). One activity that consistently finds its place in almost every UMP STEM Lab module, especially in programming, physical computing and robotics, is the humble LED. Let’s delve into the journey of LEDs in STEM education and how these tiny diodes offer more than meets the eye.

The Simplicity of LED Control – At first glance, controlling an LED appears to be a straightforward task. Playing around with various control statements to manipulate the LED’s output, experimenting with multiple LEDs, different colors, and sequences – it all seems like child’s play. After all, there are only two states for an LED: on or off, making it an ideal starting point for novice learners. Even the introduction of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control the LED’s intensity doesn’t complicate matters too much.

However, a memorable incident served as a turning point in my perspective. A young participant in UMP STEM Lab – back in 2018, yes I remember dates well :p, having completed his assignment, looked at the blinking LED and asked a simple question, “So what? The LED blinks.” This innocent query prompted a deeper reflection on the true potential of LEDs beyond mere on-off cycles.

Beyond blinking lights- One can program LED to convey information. While it’s true that LEDs can blink, their utility extends far beyond this basic function. In reality, LEDs can convey a wealth of information through various patterns, colors, and sequences. Consider the indicator lights in an airplane operation – each different light carries a distinct meaning. From indicating engine status to signaling the readiness for takeoff, LEDs play a crucial role in communication.

This video, beautifully illustrates the significance of lights in conveying  information. In an airplane cockpit, the combination of different lights serves as a visual language for the pilot, communicating critical details about the aircraft’s status and operation.

The seemingly simple light (often represented by LEDs) holds the power to convey intricate information, making it a valuable tool in STEM education. Beyond the basics of on-off control, the exploration of LED applications opens doors to a deeper understanding of electronics, programming, and the nuanced language of visual communication. As educators and enthusiasts, let’s continue to unveil the complexity behind the blink and inspire the next generation of problem solvers.

Examinationsz :)

It’s currently exam week on campus, and I find myself appreciating the unique experience exams offer. In these moments, it feels like a solitary journey between you (the examinee), the paper (accompanied by pen and pencil), and Allah. There’s an absence of prejudice, favoritism (at least during the exam itself), and social pressure.

The preparation for exams is a distinctive journey. Despite meticulous preparation, occasional failure is a reality. Although there’s a negative stigma surrounding exam-oriented learning, I firmly believe it remains one of the most effective ways to learn, given that the exam questions are thoughtfully crafted. What’s crucial, however, is the ability to respond gracefully to exam results.

While achieving straight A’s or a perfect score is often the ultimate goal, it’s important to recognize that exam results don’t determine one’s entire future. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve encountered high achievers with straight A’s who excelled in life, as well as individuals with average scores who found success. Conversely, there are those who scored well in exams but faced challenges in their careers or personal lives. Distinguishing between exam achievement and life achievement is essential, as correlation does not necessarily imply causation.

In major exams covering a learning span of more than 2-3 years, the stakes are high. Motivation may fluctuate, and the impact of results on one’s motivation is significant. It becomes imperative to focus not only on the preparation journey but also on the aftermath, maintaining resilience regardless of the results.

As the impact is huge – imagine preparing for an exam for five years and then facing failure – alternative assessment methods, such as project-based evaluations or formative exams, are proposed. While these creative approaches allow room for growth, traditional examinations, whether written or oral, remain a crucial step in evaluating one’s understanding of a subject.

Crafting exam questions is a delicate task, whether they are close-ended or open. To serve as relevant instruments, exam questions should avoid unnecessary complexity and abstraction. The exam answer scheme plays a significant role, acting as a guiding scale for evaluators. However, it’s at their discretion whether to read or refer to it. Striking the right balance is crucial; being too rigid may stifle creativity, while being too loose may compromise the examination’s reliability.

As an evaluator, marking exam papers is a mix of enjoyment and challenge. While marking, there’s a desire to empathize – especially when familiar with the student’s script – yet an expectation exists for answers that go beyond the confines of the classroom.

In the end, on exam day, it’s between you, the paper, and Allah.