Work

Development of a physical-digital learning environment for rotational motion transmission in engineering education

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents the design and evaluation of a physical-digital learning environment for teaching rotational motion transmission in introductory engineering education. The environment integrates SimulaGear, an interactive digital simulation for analyzing gear systems, with a physical-IoT experimental system composed of a 3D-printed gear mechanism, infrared sensors, ESP32-based data acquisition, Message Queuing Telemetry Transport communication, and real-time visualization through Node-RED dashboards. A quasiexperimental pretest-post-test design was implemented with 37 first-year engineering students enrolled in introductory physics courses. The control group worked exclusively with the SimulaGear digital simulation, whereas the experimental group participated in a physicaldigital experience that combined SimulaGear with the physical-IoT experimental system. Conceptual understanding, student engagement, and technology acceptance were evaluated using a conceptual test, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students, and a survey based on the technology acceptance model. Results showed that both groups improved their conceptual understanding after the intervention, with the group that used the physical-digital system showing a specific significant improvement in transmission ratios in multiple-gear systems. In addition, the physical-digital experience produced significant gains in vigor and overall engagement, while the digital-only experience did not show significant changes in engagement. Technology acceptance was high in both groups, but significantly higher in the experimental group. These findings suggest that integrating physical-IoT systems with digital simulations can strengthen students’ engagement and technology acceptance while supporting the interpretation of complex mechanical configurations through the comparison of theoretical predictions and real-time experimental data.

Source: Physical Review Physics Education Research

DOI: 10.1103/gddt-c1n3

Authors: Nicolas Amado-Moranchel, Claudia Hernandez-Mena, Gibran Sayeg-Sanchez, Isaac Juarez-Acosta

Institution: Tecnológico de Monterrey

Language: English

Topic: Experimental Learning in Engineering

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000