The Impact of Using PLC Training Kits on Creative Thinking Skills
The Impact of Using PLC Training Kits on Creative Thinking Skills

Summary/Abstract: This study aims to examine the impact of using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) training kits on students' PLC programming competencies, with particular emphasis on the role these kits play in enhancing creative thinking skills. The 21st century is recognized as an era of continuous learning, significantly influencing the education sector, particularly in Electrical Engineering education. Graduates are now expected to become not only professional and effective vocational educators but also competent industry practitioners. This preliminary study employed a within-subject experimental research design, specifically a factorial design, involving two groups of participants: a control group and an experimental group. The control group used simulation software, whereas the experimental group engaged with physical PLC training kits. The subjects were 238students from five universities in East Java, Indonesia, control group (116) and experimental group (124). There was a difference in students' creative thinking between the high and low creative thinking student in PLC programming test score, on both learning media. However, there was no interaction between the kind of learning media and the level of creative thinking. Training kits did have a positive effect on outcomes of learning, and creative thinking appeared to outweigh the type of learning tools with regards to the programming ability. The same applies here also regarding educational engineering which should address the pedagogical route to enabling creative thinking in students along with actual work tool engagements.

• Details
• Contents