Arduino Programming (AI Assisted) 2025/4 – KV Temerloh and KV Kemaman

Synopsis on AI Assisted Learning @UMPSA STEM Lab module.

Today’s session, in collaboration with Kolej Vokasional Kemaman and Kolej Vokasional Temerloh, involves interactive session for 63 students and teachers.

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 participants, 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, participants 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, participants 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 participants 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 participants 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 the participants, nice meeting you and hope to see you again in the future.

Thank you Cikgu Zuraiah (KV Temerloh) and Cikgu Roziana (KV Kemaman) for coordinating the session between UMPSA STEM Lab and the participants today.

 

BTE1522 DRE2213 – Week 6 MicroPython Digital Input and Output

Dear DRE-BTE-ians,

This week we move forward to explored how data structures and programming concepts come to life through the Raspberry Pi Pico. We completed Activity 1 (Digital Output), Activity 2 (Traffic Light), and Activity 3 (Digital Input), each introducing a new layer of understanding in Python programming and physical computing.

Activity 1 – Digital Output: Lighting Up with Variables

We began with the most fundamental task, turning an LED ON and OFF.
Through this, students learned:

    1. How to define and use variables to store pin numbers and LED states

    2. How data types like integers and booleans control hardware behavior

    3. How to send output signals using the Pin() function and .on()/.off() commands

This activity established the foundation for understanding how code interacts with physical devices. Also, we make use of Wokwi online simulator, which is good especially in learning the basic concepts.

Activity 2 – Traffic Light Simulation: Learning Data Structures

Next, we built a traffic light simulation using three LEDs (Red, Yellow, Green).
Here, students experimented with different data structures to organize and control multiple outputs:

      1. Lists ([]) to store LED pins in a sequence

      2. Tuples (()) for fixed sets of pins

      3. Dictionaries ({}) to label LEDs for clarity ("R": 14, "Y": 13, "G": 12)

They also explored how to simplify code using loops and sleep statements to manage timing:

for led in leds:
led.on()
time.sleep(1)
led.off()

This hands-on activity demonstrated how data organization directly impacts code simplicity and readability.

Activity 3 – Digital Input: Reading from Buttons and Switches

The third activity introduced digital input, connecting push buttons and slider switches to the Raspberry Pi Pico.
Students learned to:

      1. Read input values (0 or 1)

      2. Use conditional statements (if/else) to make the LED respond to user actions

      3. Understand Boolean logic and how it drives interactivity in real-world systems

This activity tied together input → process → output, emphasizing the logic flow that underpins all embedded systems.

Through these activities, you’ve not only focued on the essential coding techniques but also explored core data structures that make programs efficient and scalable. Understanding how lists, tuples, and dictionaries manage data sets the stage for more complex IoT and sensor-based applications in upcoming sessions.

Next week, we’re having Midterm Test =).

We’ll continue building upon these concepts as we move toward conditional programming and sensor integration, after the midterm break. Great work everyone — keep experimenting, debugging, and learning by doing!

STEM Lab Workshop on Structured Literature Review

The UMPSA STEM Lab conducted a Structured Literature Review (SLR) Workshop today aimed at helping final-year students strengthen their understanding and writing of Chapter 2 for their senior design projects. Recognizing that the literature review is the foundation of any research, this session focused on introducing students to a systematic way of collecting, analyzing, and presenting existing research, ensuring their work is both comprehensive and credible.

In research writing, there are generally four main types of reviews: narrative review, systematic review, scoping review, and structured literature review (SLR). Among these, the SLR approach is particularly valuable for engineering and technology-based projects, as it enables researchers to identify research gaps and establish a clear direction for their study based on evidence.

During the workshop, students were guided through several key stages of the SLR process, starting from identifying the right keywords, searching for relevant articles across reputable databases, to clustering and categorizing the collected literature according to research themes. Through hands-on practice, participants learned how to use digital tools to organize their sources efficiently, while maintaining critical analysis throughout their writing.

The session not only strengthened students’ academic writing skills but also encouraged research discipline and analytical thinking, both essential for producing high-quality theses.

The UMPSA STEM Lab remains committed to supporting students through capacity-building workshops like this, ensuring that each research project reflects both academic rigor and innovative spirit.

 

Congratulations Dr Nurulfadzilah Hasan :)

Congratulations Dr. Nurulfadzilah Hasan for successfully completing her PhD at the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah. Her unique journey stands as a persona of perseverance, dedication, and passion for knowledge.

Her research focused on formulating a novel material, barium titanate, for microstrip patch antenna applications. Through her innovative approach, she successfully achieved a high dielectric constant, contributing to the miniaturization technique of antenna design. This advancement not only demonstrates scientific excellence but also opens new possibilities in the field of wireless communication.

Balancing the demanding roles of a mother, lecturer, and researcher is no easy feat. Yet, Dr. Nurulfadzilah has managed to navigate each with grace and resilience, setting a powerful example for aspiring researchers and working mothers alike.

As her supervisor, it has been an honor and privilege to guide and learn alongside her. This project has enriched my own understanding, particularly in the chemical, electrical, and mechanical characterization of materials for antenna design.

The antenna is the heart of wireless communication, the bridge that connects people, ideas, and technologies. By pushing its boundaries through material innovation, we move closer to improving the way humans live, communicate, and interact.

Once again, congratulations Dr. Nurulfadzilah on your outstanding achievement. Your hard work and determination truly embody the spirit of scientific discovery and lifelong learning :).