Raspberry Pi Programming 2025/1 – KV Kajang

*UMPSA STEM Lab Raspberry Pi Programming Synopsis can be found here.

In the Raspberry Pi IoT session, 35 students and teachers from Kolej Vokasional Kajang were introduced to the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) using Raspberry Pi on the UMP STEM Cube, a pico-satellite learning kit specifically designed to facilitate engineering learning.

The content covered basic digital input/output operations on onboard LEDs, as well as topics such as dashboard design using gyro meter and BMU280 sensor data, including collecting and storing data in a cloud database. Participants learned to interface sensors with Raspberry Pi boards and develop IoT applications for real-world scenarios. The session provided students with valuable insights into IoT technology and its applications in various domains.

A special appreciation is extended to Pn Rohayu, Ts Adam and Mr Siva from KV Kajang for coordination in facilitating communication between the participants and the UMPSA STEM Lab :).

Jan 22nd

 

SDP 2 – Project Preparation

This week in the UMPSA STEM Lab, senior students under my supervision showcased their design projects to the BTE and DRE classes. The presentation was part of their preparation for their final project showcase, scheduled for this Friday. It served as a platform to practice summarizing and communicating their projects to an audience, which, in this case, comprised their junior peers.

Preparing for such presentations within a short time frame—15 minutes each—presents unique challenges. It requires students to thoughtfully select what to present and tailor their content to match the audience’s technical knowledge. This exercise emphasizes the importance of clarity and relevance, ensuring their ideas are conveyed effectively and leave a lasting impression.

Each senior presented their innovative project, demonstrating the integration of Raspberry Pi, UMPSA STEM Cube, and advanced sensors like LiDAR and cameras for analytics. Watching them explain their concepts and showcase their prototypes was inspiring. These sessions not only highlighted their technical prowess but also showcased their ability to simplify complex ideas for others—a vital skill in the professional world.

I am incredibly proud of their progress and achievements. Successfully developing prototypes and implementing analytics is no small feat. This Friday, as they present their projects in the final showcase, I wish them the very best. Their dedication, hard work, and ability to communicate technical ideas effectively will undoubtedly set them apart as future innovators and problem-solvers.

Good luck to all our seniors—you’ve got this!

BTE1522 DRE2323 – Week 14 Class Wrap

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.