Abstract:

Programming is one of the most important element in computer science education. Beginner programming is not intuitive, can be troublesome and discouraged at the very beginning due to its abstract form of communication with the machine.

The solution in this situation may be to use the techniques that are part of the Discovery Learning (DL), which assumes that learning is and easier to assimilate and more engaging, the more effect is palpable and translated into reality. Because of this, prototype plates with built-in system controlling multiple devices were used. In example Arduino board was used to programming simple logic that control robot movement. Additionally, students can improve, optimize and correct created code, if needed. Programming such systems allows students to quickly see effects. Traditional console programming does not always show a loophole.

In order to evaluate the final result we presented the following hypotheses:
H1: Visible programming effects are more motivating for further learning
H2: Programming embedded systems has an advantage compared to programmable consoles in early learning.
H3: Programming microcontrollers makes learning programing easier and more effective.

To confirm these hypotheses, a survey among the group of students of Mechatronics and Computer Science was conducted. The questions concerned about experience in the research area. The students were asked about their practice in programming console and embedded systems. The results of the study are presented in the article.

Keywords:

Arduino, embedded programming, computer science, learning.