Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: An experiential learning platform was recently developed to expose graduate engineering students, as well as undergraduate junior and senior mechanical engineering students, to the concept, components, operation, and application of programmable logic controllers (PLCs).The platform consists of a programmable logic controller, which can be programmed with a desktop PC, in order to control several simple output devices.The system allows students to write their own ladder logic programs, and to experiment with the program structure needed to control particular output devices.Student feedback to date suggests the availability of this platform, which encourages self-exploration, has had a very positive impact on student learning in a recently run graduate course.Plans for implementing an experiential learning approach using an updated version of the same platform in the undergraduate engineering curriculum are also discussed.
Source: ASEE Northeast Section Meeting
Author: Richard B. Mindek
Institution: Western New England University
Language: English
Subfield: Media Technology
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4409065422