Fostering Computational Thinking in Freshman Electrical Engineering Students through a Micro:Bit Code Project

Sylmarie Davila-Montero

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Conference: 2024 South East Section Meeting
Location: Marietta, Georgia
Publication Date: March 10, 2024
Start Date: March 10, 2024
End Date: March 12, 2024
Page Count: 11
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--45530
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/45530
Download Count: 13

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Sylmarie Davila-Montero The Citadel orcid.org/0000-0001-8387-0535

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Sylmarie Dávila-Montero serves as an assistant professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at The Citadel. Her teaching experience spans across various undergraduate levels, including freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. She received a B.S. degree in electrical engineering and a minor in applied mathematics (with high honors) from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, in 2015 and a Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, Michigan, in 2022. Sylmarie worked as a Systems Engineer for the MITRE Corporation in 2015 and as a Data Analyst/Contractor for the Environmental Protection Agency in 2018 and 2019. Her research interests include real-time processing of biomedical and social signals, efficient implementation of machine learning algorithms, design of wearable social behavior and health monitoring systems, and engineering education.

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Abstract

Computational Thinking (CT) is an essential skill for budding engineers, particularly in the realm of Electrical and Computer Engineering. CT can be broadly defined as a problem-solving technique that involves dissecting complex problems into manageable steps, suitable for computer execution. Typically, students begin honing their CT skills during their initial programming-related courses. However, these courses often entail a steep learning curve as students grapple with programming rules, language syntax, and the array of tools at their disposal. For freshman electrical engineering students, who may perceive programming as an extraneous domain, this presents a unique challenge.

This paper will describe the approach that was taken in an Introduction to Computer Applications for Electrical Engineers class to nurture and evaluate CT among freshman electrical engineering students. The primary objective was to cultivate proficiency in programming concepts, engineering design, and computational thinking while employing Python and the Micro:Bit platform to construct a functional Morse code machine as their final class project. This hands-on project bridged the gap between theory and application, rendering abstract concepts tangible and fostering a deeper understanding of programming principles. Students were also required to apply programming knowledge to interface with sensors and actuators present in the Micro:Bit platform.

Overall, students engaged in a multifaceted learning experience, combining both theoretical and practical elements. They tackled key programming topics, including variables, arrays, logic and branching, loops, functions, and flowcharts, all while working towards the creation of their Morse code machine. By contextualizing these programming concepts within a real-world application, students were motivated to explore beyond their comfort zones and leverage CT skills to develop creative solutions.

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Davila-Montero, S. (2024, March), Fostering Computational Thinking in Freshman Electrical Engineering Students through a Micro:Bit Code Project Paper presented at 2024 South East Section Meeting, Marietta, Georgia. 10.18260/1-2--45530