Developing a Mobile Game Application to Enhance Learning Experience in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Wiring beyond the Laboratory

Abstract

In the field of automation technology education, the primary emphasis is on instructing students in the use of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Practical training for beginners includes sessions on wiring and programming. However, the training on wiring lacks resources for additional practice outside the laboratory. Recognizing the potential of mobile devices and digital game-based learning, this study aims to create a mobile game app for practicing basic PLC wiring at any time and in any location. The study also seeks to examine the impact of using the game app on student performance and user satisfaction. The game app underwent expert assessment and received a high suitability rating, garnering an overall score of 4.43. Subsequently, it was employed in an experiment involving an experimental group comprising 18 students and a control group consisting of 22 students. To address non-normal data, we utilized both parametric and non-parametric methods to ensure more robust data analysis. The study found that both the independent sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test yielded consistent results, with p-values of 0.009 and 0.01, both below 0.05. This led to the conclusion that additional practice with the game app improved students’ performance in wiring. The user experience received positive feedback, with an overall score of 4.25. Based on the results, we consider this game app to be an effective learning tool that can enhance student performance and the learning experience in basic PLC wiring.