Arduinos Applications in Vocational Education Training

Our main objective in implementing the project was to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competences of our students and teachers in the field of Arduino technologies within vocational and technic...

Our main objective in implementing the project was to enhance the knowledge, skills, and competences of our students and teachers in the field of Arduino technologies within vocational and technical education. In this context, we aimed to ensure the effective use of Arduino in vocational training, develop practice-based teaching materials, and adapt our school curricula to meet the current needs of the industry. Furthermore, by collaborating with vocational education institutions from different European countries, we aimed to share good practices, prepare joint training modules, and make these modules available for use by project partners. In addition, our objectives included improving students’ project-based learning abilities, strengthening their digital skills, enhancing their foreign language communication competences, and increasing their employability after graduation.

Within the scope of our project, we first developed a detailed work plan together with our partners through online meetings and correspondence. During the project period, we organised three Transnational Project Meetings (TPMs). These meetings focused on project management, task distribution, development of training kits, dissemination strategies, and eTwinning activities. In line with the project plan, Arduino training modules and experimental kits were developed by the partner schools. Each partner produced the modules they were responsible for and shared them with the others. These modules were made available for teachers and students. In addition, with the coordination of the new Czech partner replacing Germany, we organised student mobilities and robot competitions. Under the title “European Robot Competition of VETofARDUINOS”, robot competitions in four different categories were held. These activities contributed to improving students’ project-based learning and teamwork skills.

The concrete outputs of our project included Arduino training modules and experimental kits developed by each partner, tested, and put into use during the project. These modules were designed to help beginner-level vocational and technical education students learn Arduino technologies more easily. In addition, a practice-based guidebook was prepared. This guide contained sample circuits, programming explanations, and visuals to help teachers and students carry out Arduino projects step by step. All modules, the guidebook, and teaching materials produced in the project were successfully used during the lessons throughout the project period. Educational videos produced during the project were shared through the project website and social media accounts. The project website was launched as a platform where all materials and activities were openly accessible. Other results included the use of more up-to-date and effective methods by teachers in Arduino training, significant improvement in students’ project-based learning skills, strengthening of their foreign language communication abilities, and mutual exchange of experiences regarding different educational systems across Europe.