| dc.description.abstract | In this three-article dissertation, I present findings from three interconnected yet unique research studies. The focus of each research study was to assess the effectiveness of open source Arduino hardware in STEM classrooms. Literature spanning last three decades strongly suggests the effectiveness of ER in STEM classrooms, all students do not have access to the potential power of ER. This disparity is propagated by the high cost of proprietary ER kits, teachers’ incorrect perceptions about the usability of ER in STEM classrooms, and the difficult and often complex nature of open source instructional technologies. There is a need for a low cost tool that is based on open source Arduino yet is user friendly and easy to adapt to teaching and learning activities in STEM classrooms.
In the first research study (chapter 2), I meta-analyzed the effects of open source Arduino- and Scratch- based interventions on students’ CT skills. The second article (chapter 3) contains the findings of a randomized experimental research study in which students engaged in hands-on STEM learning using a 3D printed Mars rover based on the open source Arduino hardware and other off the shelf components. In chapter 4 of this dissertation, I introduce readers to OpenBrick, a low cost open source Arduino based ER kit that can compete with proprietary and expensive LEGO and VEX ER kits. Then I present the findings from the usability study of OpenBrick ER kit
The findings from the meta-analysis suggested that Arduino- and Scratch-based interventions were effective in improving students CT skills. Hands-on engagement with Arduino based 3D printed Mars rover helped to improve students perceptions and attitudes towards STEM subjects and careers. Building, coding, and testing Arduino based Mars rover also improved students affect towards engineering as a profession. Finally, the results of the OpenBrick usability study indicated that participants found OpenBrick ER kit effective, efficient, and satisfactory for delivering ER STEM lessons. Each research study in this dissertation utilized a unique research methodology but the combined findings of all three research studies suggest that open source Arduino based tools and interventions are effective in STEM classrooms. | en |
