Abstract:

This paper develops experiential learning activity (ELA) focussed on the acquisition of competences in the area of basic robot programming and the communication interface between robots and external devices. Meaningful learning requires to build new concepts and skills based on previous knowledge. Students motivation and attitude towards the activity and an adjusted activity to the learning objectives are also key in the learning success. Experiential learning activities have proved themselves as powerful tools to accomplish meaningful learning while encouraging active student participation in the learning process. Moreover, these activities are normally based on teamwork activities which allow students to practice several of the most desired transversal competences that companies are looking for. We simulate a bowling game to work on robotics competences. We explain the different steps followed in the activity from the introduction to the debriefing phase of the experience. We developed a questionnaire to evaluate the perception of the students about the ability of the activity to learn about the different concepts and competencies key in a mechatronics degree.

Keywords:

Experiential learning activities, robot programming, transversal competences.