MAKER: Smart packaging machine simulator for teaching ladder logic programming

American Society for Engineering Education, 2017. This paper describes the results of an instructional pilot in programmable logic controller (PLC) programming in the ladder-logic language. As an extra-credit opportunity, students were invited to participate in a programming activity in ladder-logic that consisted of the following: 1) a preinstructional assessment of prior knowledge, (2) an online slideshow presentation that introduces PLCs, including future training and employment opportunities, (3) an online post-instructional assessment of acquired knowledge, and (4) an opinion survey designed to measure student demand for a course that teaches industrial automation. These data were meant to be shared with school administration so that changes to the course catalog would be properly informed by documented student need. The instructional machine was created as a result of attending a Summer Research Experiences for Teachers program at Texas A&M University in 2016.

MAKER: Smart packaging machine simulator for teaching ladder logic programming Conference Paper