РАЗВИТИЕ НА УМЕНИЯ ЗА РЕШАВАНЕ НА ПРОБЛЕМИ ЧРЕЗ ПРОГРАМИРАНЕ НА РОБОТИЗИРАНИ СИСТЕМИ С ARDUINO
DEVELOPMENT OF PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS THROUGH PROGRAMMING OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS USING ARDUINO

Summary/Abstract: The present study aims to analyze the effect of implementing project-based learning through the use of the Arduino integrated development environment and Arduino electronic components on the development of problem-solving skills among students in a professional high school of electronics, specializing in “Applied Programming” and “System Programming” (vocational education), during practical project work. The experiment was conducted with the participation of two classes, comprising a total of twenty-four students, who were assigned the task of designing and programming small robotic systems as part of the curriculum. The objective of the study was to examine the extent to which practical project activities support the development of technical, analytical, and cognitive skills, as well as the students’ ability to find solutions when faced with difficulties. Methodologically, the evaluation was carried out based on three main criteria – construction and assembly of the hardware components of the system, development and programming of the code within the Arduino environment, and skills for diagnosing and resolving problems arising in both the hardware and software parts of the project. The results indicate that most students demonstrated higher autonomy and confidence in constructing and connecting electronic components, often successfully completing the hardware tasks with minimal assistance. Programming and debugging the code proved to be a more significant challenge, requiring targeted guidance, examples, and support from the instructor. Greater independence was observed in addressing constructive and mechanical problems compared to resolving logical and software errors, highlighting the need for more focused preparation in programming and algorithmic thinking within vocational education. The discussion places the observed results in the context of similar studies and confirms that practical work with robotic systems and electronic modules develops technical skills, stimulates critical thinking, and encourages creativity in solving engineering tasks. The study also identifies certain limitations – the lack of initial skills assessment, the relatively small sample size, and the need to develop methods for objective and reliable evaluation of problem-solving skills. In conclusion, it is confirmed that integrating Arduino-based project tasks into the educational process in vocational education supports the development of practical and analytical competencies, increases students’ engagement and confidence when working with technology, and fosters skills for individual learning and teamwork, relevant for their professional realization in the twenty-first century. As recommendations, the study suggests providing additional training for teachers in working with Arduino and developing and implementing interdisciplinary projects.

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