Maker education research by using electronic prototyping platforms from a student perspective
Education; Maker learning; Prototyping; Arduino.
This study seeks to relate Maker learning and rapid prototyping tools in a way that the latter is integrated into the teaching and development of students. Initially, it aimed to explain the educational theories related to the Maker learning approach, through its history and composition. In addition, the main rapid prototyping tools, such as electronic boards, were presented, as this type allows the use of active education concepts, theory, and practice applied to everyday life issues. However, the study focuses on analyzing the development of students seeking this knowledge, in order to provide a framework of data to promote more targeted training for these platforms. To this end, a methodology was proposed, using the Arduino platform to disseminate prototyping concepts through extension courses available to the community. The platform was chosen due to its easy- to-use and accessible characteristics. For the analysis of students’ perspectives on the approach, a qualitative research was proposed, using a form that allowed the collection of data and, simultaneously, the analysis of the researcher’s observations during the course.