The Future of Education

Abstract

The foundation of the paper outlines a worthwhile academic ingenuity in addressing relevant skill set requirements in industrial automation particularly in the fields of programmable logic control (PLC) programming in the midst of physical laboratory equipment inadequacy in Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. The paper sought to develop a simulated instructional tool that demonstrates the technological pedagogical and content knowledge concept into the teaching and learning process in the industrial automation relevant courses in the Industrial Technology programs of the university. The study highlights the design, simulation and evaluation of a simulated control of a multiple actuator pneumatic system using programmable logic control programming simulation. The paper yielded fervent responses from the students and instructors as verified by the dynamic learning, improved retention, and pertinent skill set acquisition. The affirmative outcome was ascribed to the scientific approach to PLC programming, guided simulation techniques, and audio/video tutorials developed and utilized during the laboratory engagements conducted utilizing the technology integration concept.

Keywords: electro-pneumatics, industrial automation, mechatronics, programmable logic control, simulation