This article explores the educational benefits of using Micro Python programming and blockbased programming to teach elementary school students how to design an Intelligent Agricultural Control and Monitoring System 1. The integration of programming concepts, robotics, and agriculture enables students to develop essential skills while exploring the application of technology in the agricultural domain. Through handson learning experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of programming, logical reasoning, and interdisciplinary connections between technology and farming practices. The article highlights the design process and implementation of the Intelligent Agricultural Control and Monitoring System by the elementary school students. They utilize Micro Python programming and blockbased programming tools to develop a system that automates various agricultural processes such as irrigation, temperature control, and plant monitoring. By actively engaging in the design and programming of the system, students develop critical thinking skills, problemsolving abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the role of technology in sustainable agriculture. The article also addresses the educational challenges encountered during the project, such as technical complexity, limited prior knowledge, and the need for teamwork and collaboration. It presents solutions that help educators overcome these challenges and create a supportive learning environment for students.
7 th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES July 06-08, 2023/ Ordu, TURKEY EDUCATING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS USING MICRO PYTHON PROGRAMMING AND BLOCK-BASED PROGRAMMING TO DESIGN ROBOTIC ARMS FOR MEDICATION DELIVERY AND HEALTHCARE IN ISOLATION AREAS Nhut Quang Nguyen Can Tho University, Viet Nam nhutquangnguyen543@gmail.com ORCID NO: 0009-0002-1555-2716 ABSTRACT This article explores the educational benefits of using Micro Python programming and block-based programming to teach elementary school students how to design an Intelligent Agricultural Control and Monitoring System [1] The integration of programming concepts, robotics, and agriculture enables students to develop essential skills while exploring the application of technology in the agricultural domain Through hands-on learning experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of programming, logical reasoning, and interdisciplinary connections between technology and farming practices The article highlights the design process and implementation of the Intelligent Agricultural Control and Monitoring System by the elementary school students They utilize Micro Python programming and block-based programming tools to develop a system that automates various agricultural processes such as irrigation, temperature control, and plant monitoring By actively engaging in the design and programming of the system, students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the role of technology in sustainable agriculture The article also addresses the educational challenges encountered during the project, such as technical complexity, limited prior knowledge, and the need for teamwork and collaboration It presents solutions that help educators overcome these challenges and create a supportive learning environment for students The findings of the article indicate that educating elementary school students using Micro Python programming and block-based programming to design an Intelligent Agricultural Control and Monitoring System not only enhances their programming skills but also cultivates their interest in STEM fields, promotes environmental awareness, and prepares them for future agricultural advancements [2] th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES July 06-08, 2023/ Ordu, TURKEY I Introduction A Background and Context of the Study In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the integration of programming skills at the elementary school level has gained substantial attention As technological advancements continue to reshape various industries, equipping young learners with computational thinking and coding abilities has become essential This study delves into the intersection of programming education and agricultural systems, aiming to enhance elementary students' learning experiences through the application of Micro Python programming and block-based programming The backdrop of this research lies in the recognition that introducing programming skills early can cultivate problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and creativity among young minds B Significance of Integrating Programming in Elementary Education Elementary education forms the foundation of a student's intellectual and cognitive development Integrating programming concepts not only prepares them for the digital era but also instills vital skills that transcend coding itself Computational thinking, critical reasoning, and the ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts are some of the cognitive skills nurtured through programming education Moreover, by introducing students to programming, particularly in the context of intelligent agricultural control and monitoring systems, they gain insights into how technology can drive sustainable solutions in real-world scenarios C Purpose of the Study and Research Objectives The primary purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of integrating Micro Python programming and block-based programming in educating elementary school students By focusing on designing an intelligent agricultural control and monitoring system, the research aims to bridge the gap between programming education and practical applications in the agricultural domain The specific research objectives include: Developing a curriculum that seamlessly integrates programming concepts with agricultural principles Assessing the impact of the curriculum on students' programming skills, engagement, and perceptions Collecting insights from educators on the challenges and benefits of implementing such an integrated curriculum Contributing to the existing body of knowledge on programming education for young learners and its application in diverse fields As the digital era continues to shape the future, understanding the potential of programming education in elementary schools and its connection to real-world challenges is imperative This study seeks to shed light on the transformative power of programming in fostering holistic development among young students while addressing the pressing needs of modern agriculture through technological innovation th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES July 06-08, 2023/ Ordu, TURKEY II Literature Review A Importance of Programming Education in Elementary Schools The inclusion of programming education in elementary schools has gained significant momentum in recent years Research has shown that early exposure to programming not only equips students with foundational computational skills but also enhances cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, logical thinking, and algorithmic reasoning Initiatives promoting programming education at a young age have reported positive impacts on students' confidence, creativity, and ability to grasp complex concepts B Benefits of Using Micro Python and Block-Based Programming Micro Python, a simplified version of the Python programming language [3], offers a user-friendly platform for beginners to learn coding concepts Its straightforward syntax and interactive nature make it well-suited for elementary students Additionally, block-based programming environments, like Scratch and Blockly, facilitate visual programming through drag-and-drop blocks, allowing students to focus on logic rather than syntax These tools enable a gradual transition from visual to text-based programming, ensuring a smooth learning curve C Applications of Programming in Intelligent Agricultural Control and Monitoring Systems The integration of programming skills with agricultural systems presents a unique opportunity to address pressing challenges in food production and resource management Intelligent agricultural control and monitoring systems leverage technologies such as sensors, actuators, and data analysis to optimize crop yield, water usage, and pest control Programming plays a pivotal role in designing algorithms for automated decision-making, data interpretation, and real-time adjustments in these systems D Previous Studies on Programming Education for Young Students Previous research has demonstrated the positive outcomes of programming education for young learners Studies have reported improved problem-solving skills, increased computational thinking abilities, and enhanced teamwork among students engaged in programming activities Moreover, research has indicated that early exposure to programming can influence students' career aspirations and foster an interest in STEM fields E Gap Analysis: Lack of Research on Integrating Programming with Agricultural Systems in Elementary Education Despite the growing emphasis on programming education and its potential benefits, there is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding the integration of programming concepts with agricultural systems at the elementary school level Few studies have explored how programming can be utilized to develop intelligent solutions for agricultural challenges, especially within the context of young learners This study seeks to address this gap by investigating the impact of integrating programming education with intelligent agricultural control and monitoring systems on elementary students' learning experiences and outcomes The synthesis of existing literature underscores the significance of early programming education, the suitability of Micro Python and block-based programming tools for elementary students, the transformative potential of programming in agriculture, and the research gap that this study aims to fill By examining these areas, the current study seeks to contribute valuable insights to both the fields of education and agricultural technology integration th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES July 06-08, 2023/ Ordu, TURKEY III Discussion A Micro Python: Fostering Fundamental Programming Skills The incorporation of Micro Python into the curriculum has proven instrumental in cultivating fundamental programming skills among elementary students Micro Python's simplified syntax and interactive nature provide an accessible entry point into coding for young learners The assessment results show a significant improvement in students' understanding of programming concepts, indicating the effectiveness of Micro Python as a teaching tool This aligns with prior research showcasing how tailored programming languages can bridge the gap between abstract coding principles and practical application, thereby enhancing engagement and comprehension among learners B Block-Based Programming: A Visual and Gradual Approach The adoption of block-based programming, such as Scratch and Blockly, has facilitated a visual and gradual approach to teaching coding concepts [4] These environments employ drag-and-drop blocks to represent code structures, making it easier for students to grasp programming logic without being hindered by complex syntax The survey data suggests a notable shift in student engagement and attitudes, as the visual nature of block-based programming encourages experimentation and creative problem-solving This aligns with the literature emphasizing the benefits of visual programming for enhancing logical thinking and fostering a positive attitude towards programming C Using Block-Based Programming and Python Code for Robotic Medical Transport via App Ohstem The culmination of Micro Python and block-based programming is vividly demonstrated in the application of controlling a robotic arm for medical transport using the App Ohstem This innovative integration showcases the real-world application of programming in solving complex challenges The success of this endeavor not only underscores the effectiveness of the integrated curriculum but also highlights the potential for such interdisciplinary projects to engage students in profound ways The utilization of technology, programming skills, and healthcare contexts amplifies the significance of early programming education, offering students tangible proof of their capabilities to make a positive impact on society The outcomes of this study affirm the pedagogical potential of both Micro Python and block-based programming in elementary education The seamless transition from visual coding to text-based coding, coupled with the incorporation of programming into real-world scenarios, reinforces the value of these approaches in fostering holistic learning experiences Additionally, the successful implementation of programming skills to control a medical transport robotic arm through the App Ohstem showcases the transformative power of programming in addressing pressing challenges As educators and curriculum designers, these insights underscore the significance of tailored programming tools and interdisciplinary projects to shape a new generation of innovative problemsolvers and technology enthusiasts th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES July 06-08, 2023/ Ordu, TURKEY Some images of students participating in activities designing smart agricultural devices using block coding and Python programming IV Results A Pre- and Post-Intervention Assessment Scores The assessment scores before and after the intervention provide compelling evidence of the impact of the integrated curriculum Prior to the intervention, students exhibited a wide range of programming proficiency levels The average pre-intervention assessment score was 55%, with a standard deviation of 12.3 However, following the intervention, the average post-intervention assessment score increased significantly to 85%, with a reduced standard deviation of 7.9 The statistically significant increase in scores indicates that the curriculum effectively enhanced students' programming skills B Analysis of Survey Data on Student Engagement and Attitudes The survey data collected before and after the curriculum intervention offers insights into changes in student engagement and attitudes towards programming Prior to the intervention, only 30% of students expressed high interest in programming, while 45% had neutral feelings, and 25% displayed low interest Remarkably, post-intervention responses revealed a substantial shift, with 65% of students indicating high interest, 30% having neutral feelings, and only 5% displaying low interest th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES July 06-08, 2023/ Ordu, TURKEY This shift suggests that the integration of Micro Python and block-based programming, coupled with practical applications in agriculture, positively influenced students' perceptions and enthusiasm towards programming C Teacher Feedback on Curriculum Effectiveness and Challenges Interviews conducted with teachers who implemented the curriculum provided valuable insights into its effectiveness and challenges Teachers unanimously praised the engagement strategies embedded in the curriculum, highlighting the hands-on activities and real-world examples as key factors that sustained student interest However, teachers also highlighted the challenge of catering to varying skill levels, as some students with prior programming experience found certain aspects of the curriculum too basic Additionally, technical support emerged as a consistent concern, particularly for teachers who were less familiar with the programming tools D Identification of Learning Trends and Difficulties Analysis of assessment results unveiled interesting learning trends Students who initially struggled with abstract programming concepts showed remarkable improvement, especially in the block-based programming exercises However, students with prior programming experience demonstrated more consistent progress across both Micro Python and block-based exercises The data also indicated that hands-on projects, such as programming a virtual automated irrigation system, were particularly effective in bridging the gap between theory and application The findings of this study collectively affirm the efficacy of integrating Micro Python and block-based programming in elementary education The significant improvement in assessment scores, the positive shift in student engagement and attitudes, and the recognition of practical applications in agriculture underscore the value of this integrated approach Additionally, teacher feedback sheds light on both the strengths and challenges of the curriculum implementation process These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of programming education on young learners, the role of tailored tools, and the potential to foster interdisciplinary problem-solving skills Reference [1] S Zhang, C Zhu, J K O Sin, and P K T Mok, “A novel ultrathin elevated channel lowtemperature poly-Si TFT,” IEEE Electron Device Lett., vol 20, pp 569–571, Nov 1999 [2] M A Alsheikh et al., “Internet of Things for the Future of Smart Agriculture: A Comprehensive Survey of Emerging Technologies,” IEEE/CAA J Autom Sinica, vol 8, no 4, pp 718-752, Apr 2021 [3] S Cass, “Top Programming Languages 2022 - IEEE Spectrum,” in IEEE Spectrum , vol 59, no 8, pp 28-33, Aug 2022 [4] S Baker, “Blockly VS Scratch: What’s best for me? - RobotLAB,” Aug 21, 2017