Developing a Mobile Game Application to Enhance Learning Experience in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Wiring beyond the Laboratory

Abstract

In the field of automation technology education, the primary emphasis is on instructing students in the use of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Practical training for beginners includes sessions on wiring and programming. However, the training on wiring lacks resources for additional practice outside the laboratory. Recognizing the potential of mobile devices and digital game-based learning, this study aims to create a mobile game app for practicing basic PLC wiring at any time and in any location. The study also seeks to examine the impact of using the game app on student performance and user satisfaction. The game app underwent expert assessment and received a high suitability rating, garnering an overall score of 4.43. Subsequently, it was employed in an experiment involving an experimental group comprising 18 students and a control group consisting of 22 students. To address non-normal data, we utilized both parametric and non-parametric methods to ensure more robust data analysis. The study found that both the independent sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test yielded consistent results, with p-values of 0.009 and 0.01, both below 0.05. This led to the conclusion that additional practice with the game app improved students’ performance in wiring. The user experience received positive feedback, with an overall score of 4.25. Based on the results, we consider this game app to be an effective learning tool that can enhance student performance and the learning experience in basic PLC wiring.

Factors Influencing Pre-Service Technical Teachers' Academic Performance: Cross-Sectional Study

“…It may be learning activities, processes, resources, and various environments driven by digital in educational institutions at various levels, including basic education, vocational education, higher education, informal education, and alternative education (Kuosmanen, Fleming, Newell, & Barry, 2017;Haleem, Javaid, Qadri, & Suman, 2022;Sormunen et al, 2020;Yang, Zargar, Adams, Day, & Connor, 2021;O'Connell & Lucić, 2021;Akour & Alenezi, 2022). Examples of digital interventions in educational settings include the use of Internet-based learning, hybrid learning, MOOC platforms, mobile learning apps, student relationship management systems, and virtual classrooms (Rattanasak, 2023;Napaporn et al, 2023;Nittayathammakul et al, 2023;Kohpeisansukwattana, Siriwattananon, & Charoenwanit, 2024;Kaewrattanapat et al, 2023;Raes et al, 2020). However, before a digital intervention can be developed, a thorough context study, feasibility study, and analysis of the factors influencing the desired state should be undertaken to design and develop the appropriate digital intervention (McKenney & Reeves, 2021).…”