Development of a situated spectrum analyzer learning platform for enhancing student technical skills

Electronic engineering industries require technical specialists to operate precision electronic instruments. However, limitations in course designs and equipment availability mean that only a few students are able to use the equipment in practical lessons within a limited timeframe. Also, instruction of techniques and skills are still mostly carried out in traditional lecture formats. Student–instructor and student–student interactions are clearly insufficient. When students encounter difficulties in their lesson, they are unable to obtain immediate assistance, resulting in gaps in their understanding. To address this issue, this study aims to create a situated spectrum analyzer learning platform based on situated learning theory. An interactive educational environment is created to instruct on how to operate a spectrum analyzer. A situated-based learning approach was used so that students would not be limited to memorizing concepts. Instead, they would be allowed to integrate and coordinate what they know to strengthen individual concepts and gain better problem solving skills. Additionally, in order to investigate the effect of the approach proposed, an experiment was conducted to evaluate any differences in learning performance, satisfaction, understanding and technical expertise.