Use of free software with low-cost hardware for the development of experiential learning

Abstract

This article aims to propose the use of low-cost hardware with free software to achieve experimental learning in engineering students. The hardware is implemented using the Arduino platform and the free Scilab software, which is useful for carrying out engineering studies. To control the Arduino, Xcos/Scilab is used through a hardware remote library. This graphical programming environment allows the development of virtual laboratories. As results, it should be highlighted that the active participation of students, motivation for the career and the development of collaborative learning and self-learning are achieved. The research was developed in the Electrical Engineering major, for a sample of 60 third-year students who took the subjects of Power Electronics and Electrical Circuits in the courses between 2020 -2022, of the Electrical Engineering major, which represent 86% of the year's enrollment, evaluating its results through the calculation of absolute and relative frequencies, concluding that carrying out laboratory practices using the proposed methodology makes it possible to improve the results of the teaching-learning process of the students.