Tag: STEM Outreach

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 2024/7 – 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.

Arduino Programming 2024/6 – PPD Pekan (AI Assisted)

Synopsis on AI Assisted Learning @UMPSA STEM Lab module.

UMPSA STEM Lab Pioneering AI-Assisted Learning in 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 school teachers’ understanding of digital making and physical computing. By incorporating AI tools such as ChatGPT, students receive personalized assistance and real-time feedback, making the learning process more interactive and effective.

Starting with Act 1, participants generate code to blink an LED using GenAI, laying the groundwork for understanding basic programming. In Act 2, they debug and complete a traffic light system code, polishing their troubleshooting skills with AI support. Act 3 introduces photoresistors, where students use AI to research and generate code for reading sensor values. Act 4 builds on this by modifying code to control an LED based on light levels, teaching conditional programming. The curriculum culminates in Act 6 with ultrasonic sensors, where students generate, comprehend, and implement AI-assisted code to measure distances and control outputs. This progression ensures that students not only learn to code but also to innovate and troubleshoot effectively using AI tools like ChatGPT.

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 is an example to 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 2024/3 – PPD Pekan (AI Assisted)

AI-Assisted Learning in Graphical Programming in Game Development with UMPSA STEM Lab

At UMPSA STEM Lab, we are dedicated to pioneering innovative approaches to teaching, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance learning experiences. In our latest initiative, we have integrated AI-assisted learning into our graphical programming curriculum, focusing on game development. This blog post outlines our approach, highlighting a step-by-step guide from creating the game character to implementing a scoring system. Our primary tool for AI assistance is the ChatGPT platform. This course is designed for school teachers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to bring engaging, technology-driven learning into their classrooms.

The journey begins with the classic game of Snake. The first step is to create the snake head. Using Scratch, teachers learn to design a simple sprite representing the snake’s head. ChatGPT assists by providing instant feedback and suggestions on sprite creation, ensuring that even those new to graphical programming can follow along effortlessly. For instance, teachers can ask ChatGPT for tips on sprite design or troubleshooting any issues they encounter during the creation process.

With the snake head created, the next task is to make it move. Teachers are guided through programming the sprite to move continuously and respond to arrow key inputs. ChatGPT offers code snippets and explanations, helping participants understand the logic behind sprite movement and control. This AI support allows teachers to quickly grasp the concepts and effectively implement them in their projects.

A key element of the Snake game is the food that the snake eats to grow. Teachers learn to create a food sprite and program it to appear at random positions on the screen. ChatGPT assists in writing the code for random positioning and collision detection between the snake head and food. By leveraging AI, teachers can receive immediate support and suggestions for optimizing their code.

When the snake eats the food, it grows longer. In this act, teachers learn to add a segment to the snake each time it eats food. ChatGPT provides guidance on how to use lists to keep track of the snake’s segments and update their positions accordingly. This AI-assisted learning approach helps teachers understand the concept of lists and how they can be used effectively in programming.

To make the game challenging, the snake must avoid colliding with itself or the screen edges. Teachers learn to implement collision detection and end the game when a collision occurs. ChatGPT helps by explaining the logic and providing sample code to detect collisions. This AI support enables teachers to quickly grasp complex programming concepts and apply them to their projects.

The final step is to add a scoring system to keep track of the player’s progress. Teachers learn to create a variable to store the score and update it each time the snake eats food. ChatGPT assists in writing the code to increment the score and display it on the screen. By utilizing AI, teachers can ensure their code is efficient and error-free.

The goal of this course is to empower teachers with the skills and confidence to integrate AI-assisted learning into their classrooms. By leveraging the ChatGPT platform, teachers can access real-time support and guidance, making it easier to learn and teach complex programming concepts. This not only enhances their technical skills but also prepares them to inspire and engage their students with interactive, technology-driven lessons.

At UMPSA STEM Lab, we believe in the power of AI to transform education. Our AI-assisted learning approach in graphical programming for game development provides teachers with a robust framework to enhance their teaching methodologies. By integrating tools like ChatGPT, we are paving the way for a future where technology and education go hand in hand, creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment for students.

Today’s program is in collaboration with Pekan Education District Office. Join us in this exciting journey of AI-assisted learning and discover how you can bring the magic of game development into your classroom, inspiring the next generation of tech-savvy learners.