Information from the abstract
ABSTRACT The rapid global transformation catalyzed by Industry 4.0 fundamentally necessitates a reconstitution of the engineering skillset, particularly emphasizing digital tool proficiency, systematic problem formulation, and collaborative practice. A persistent and troubling skills gap remains, as traditional introductory physics laboratories, constrained by procedural compliance, routinely fail to cultivate these multidimensional professional competencies during the critical first‐year stage. This study addresses this pressing curricular deficit by rigorously evaluating a novel spreadsheet‐integrated automation framework (SIAF) designed for early curricular intervention. We utilized a quasi‐experimental mixed‐methods design involving 203 first‐year engineering students. Our methodology demonstrates technical depth by integrating ubiquitous spreadsheet software with low‐cost IoT microcontrollers (ESP32) for real‐time data processing and acquisition, thereby simulating authentic industrial workflows. Crucially, the study deployed a validated multi‐dimensional IRR, addressing a persistent methodological deficit in holistic competency assessment. Quantitative analysis confirmed the SIAF's robust efficacy, yielding statistically significant positive improvements across six competency domains. The most substantial gains were registered in domains essential for the digital workplace: spreadsheet skills ( d ≈ 0.65), technical skills ( d ≈ 0.45), and digital/automation literacy ( d ≈ 0.43). Qualitative data revealed that automation successfully reduced extraneous cognitive load, fostering systematic troubleshooting and a strong sense of digital fluency derived from self‐mastery. These results provide compelling empirical support for adopting this replicable, outcome‐based education‐aligned model to transform foundational physics labs. Future research must prioritize longitudinal designs to assess skill transferability.
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Related topics: Experimental Learning in Engineering · Career Development and Diversity · Science Education and Pedagogy
Thai researcher and institutional participation
Somkuan Photharin · Wutichai Wongnarat · Suriya Chinwong · Piyanooch Nedkun · WIREKHA KHAMJAN · Chivalrat Masingboon · Nuth Sirirermrux · Keerati Maneesai · Kasetsart University
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