Search Results

In the past week, I had the pleasure of delivering a STEM Education program at RoboEDU’s Richmond, BC location on soldering. The instructional material I used was called SparkTip: a beginner friendly soldering iron kit. This product was successfully launched on Kickstarter last month and this was our first opportunity to trial within a classroom. Original Campaign Page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/evoinmotion/sparktip-a-beginner-friendly-soldering-kit RoboEDU is a STEM-learning centre that offers a variety of learning programs centered on robotics. These include Robotics Clubs, Coding Programs, 3-D printing, AI Computer Vision, Leadership Training aimed to build creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. RoboEDU is an organization that we have successfully run programs with in the past. In speaking with Matt, the lead instructor at the location, we found out that there wasn’t many electronics learning program but we both recognized the importance of the topic leading to our motivation in offering the soldering camp. I was tasked to teach the one-week (10-hours) program. My own academic background, while in STEM, is not within electronics but I found the presentation of the materials suitable for my direct implementation. Within the kit was a 70-page mini tutorial book covering the basics of soldering. The contents are organized in chapters according to: I. Introduction II. Getting familiar with tools III. Solder two pieces of wire IV. Solder through-hole components V. Surface mount technology basics VI. Appendix with troubleshooting advice & common mistakes to avoid We found the book to be an entertaining read since it is heavy in graphics and knowledge delivered in an easy-to-follow way. This method of delivery is ideal for student learning in after-school programs since it keeps them more engaged than reading traditional textbook format. Higher engagement leads to more interactive classroom and better learning outcomes. After we familiarized ourselves with the basics, we opened the SparkTip kit and enclosed within were soldering iron, spools of solder, different tips, and a stand with a sponge that can be used a cleaning station. My particular teaching set also came with a variety of DIY electronics project that needed to be soldered together. These projects include: · A simple USB nightlight · An electronics fidget spinner · LED chaser wheel · FM radio kit · Metal detector · Electronics luck wheel My student chose to work on the FM radio kit and the electronics luck wheel. The circuit schematics, sample shown below, were detailed and easy for the student to follow along. The kits come with a good amount of solder to allow user to finish a few projects. The soldering pen comes with an instruction manual that explains the modes of heating. There are two modes: (1) continuous heating which ramps up to the maximum temperature and keeps it steady and (2) hold-to-heat mode where it only heats if the button is pressed. I suggest using the later to conserve battery but, in my experiences, the continuous heating mode can be sustained for ~30 minutes on a full charge. The kit also comes with an exhaust fan which we used to limit the amount of solder fumes we inhaled. When soldering, it’s always recommended to work in a well-ventilated space, so we had our doors and windows open to circulate air. After some demonstration, our student was able to work independently through the projects. This experiential learning has the benefit that it allows individuals to gain hands on learning skills as well as develop critical thinking and trouble shooting abilities. It is unrealistic to expect to be able to build flawless designs on the first go so learning from mistakes is very important. One of the circuits that our student built, the spinning wheel, did not function as expected the first time. The lights weren’t coming on as expected so he got to experience the trouble-shooting and debugging process. With the help of our manual, he was able to identify regions of poor connectivity as well as solder bridging and after some quick tinkering was able to fix the project. Some of the key highlights for me as an educator delivering this program include: Easy to follow instructions One-stop solution to teaching soldering (no need for me to dig around at electronics stores for components) Solder iron heats up quickly The learning manuals and materials are of high physical quality Overall, I had a blast delivering this program and look forward to doing it again in the future! Once our campaign obligations are fulfilled, we expect to launch this learning opportunity to more schools and after-school tutoring agencies. I would recommend this product for: Institutions looking for an easy-to-implement soldering program After-school STEM agencies Parents who want to learn a new skill at home with their children Students who prefer tactile, hands-on learning activities If you are looking to implement our program or would like to discuss more, feel free to reach out to me at dguan@eimtechnology.com. EIM is a provider of innovative ed-tech solutions in the electronics teaching space. We have a wide range of tools including breadboard power supplies, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and learning curricula. Check our products on https://www.eimtechnology.com/category/all-products. EIM customers include schools as well as end-users. All products mentioned in this post are available for purchase at our online store.

Last week, my colleagues and I had the incredible opportunity to attend Teardown 2023, a highly anticipated conference held in Portland, Oregon. The event brought together a diverse community of electronics hobbyists, engineering students, makers, and energetic entrepreneurs from North America. EdTech conference 1 - Teardown 2023, Portland, June 23-25 As proud sponsors, our company's products garnered significant attention, allowing us to establish valuable networks, exchange information, share opinions and interests, and explore the vibrant entrepreneurial and technological ecosystem in Portland and elsewhere in US. Embarking on a remarkable journey, we drove approximately six hours from Vancouver, Canada, to reach the city of Portland. The moment we stepped foot into the conference venue, we were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere buzzing with the collective passion for electronics and innovation. On Saturday evening, we also had opportunity to explore Portland's local hacker space—a hub of creativity and technical ingenuity. This visit allowed us to witness firsthand the remarkable projects, collaborative workspaces, and state-of-the-art facilities that foster innovation in the city. The hacker space provided a glimpse into the thriving entrepreneurial culture of Portland, inspiring us with its relentless pursuit of technological advancement and community-driven initiatives. Our time at Teardown 2023 and our interactions with the diverse range of attendees left an indelible mark on our team. The knowledge gained, the connections forged, and the inspiring atmosphere of collaboration and innovation will undoubtedly shape our future endeavors. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return to Portland and engage once again with this dynamic community of talented individuals. EdTech conference 2 - 12th Annual PBL World Conference, Napa Valley, June 26 - 28 Technically I was not the person to attend this conference. My other colleagues already scheduled for this event and have their flights booked. However, one colleague was not able to make the trip due to some unexpected urgent reason, and this trip definitely requires at least TWO people to handle (lots of stuff, demos, promotional materials and give away gifts...) The moment we know this incidence was on Sunday morning (June 25), at that time I was about to check out from Hotel and attend another 3-4 hours show at Teardown 2023 and then drive back to Vancouver. "Are we going to Napa instead?" my colleague asked me, since it was a 1000km+ trip and if we decide to go, we must leave right now and get there by tonight (since the PBL Works show starts on Monday morning). Instead of wasting time on discussions, it takes me almost 0 seconds to make a decision: instead of heading back to Vancouver, we redirect ourselves all the way to Napa Valley, California. It was at 9:30am June 25. To make this unplanned adventure, we embarked on a high-speed journey, rarely pausing except for essential refueling and restroom breaks. Our initial task was to make a detour to Dublin in order to retrieve our sizeable boxes containing conference materials. These boxes had been conveniently pre-shipped to our designated contact's location, as they were impractical for carry-on luggage. When we got to the hotel at Napa, it was 9:00pm, not bad timing since the sky was not completely dark yet. On Monday morning, we visited American Canyon High School, the school that hosts the PBL 2023 event. This is a young and beautiful American school, a large playground big enough to accommodate a massive crowd at the same time. Buildings are facilities are modern and clean. We got lots of pictures, site seeing and visited some innovation labs in Stanford University. It was supposed to be a perfect day, except for this... Right, our car back window was smashed during the moment when we were dining in Denny's. The two most important demo units: an elevator model and a traffic light intersection model were stolen! Fortunately we've got all other valueables and IDs with us, otherwise we are all completely screwed... Nevertheless, the rest stuff were still there, making us still presentable for the shows in next days. The PBL Works 2023 events officially started on Tuesday, we got over 1000 teachers and school coming, nice day, amazing food, cheerful talk, and lots of teachers were impressed by our technology educational products. Many teachers and schools are committed to try out our products for their classes, and we believe this is a good starting point for the STEM technology education in US schools. Our two big demo units were stolen, plus we need to head back to Vancouver with a broken glass car, we had to cut our trip short and departed sooner. Overall, the conferences went well, and our team made it back home safely on June 29th. We gained valuable experience in handling international conference shows and should definitely be better prepared for future events. This blog post is just a commemoration of this unforgettable experience, and our team is looking forward for the two events in October.

Resistors play a crucial role in controlling the flow of electric current. But have you ever wondered why resistors have those vibrant color bands encircling them? In this post, we will unravel the mystery behind resistor color bands, resistor color code, explore their purpose, decode their meanings, and understand why they are an essential part of the world of electronics. Understanding Resistor Color Code: The Purpose of Color Bands on Resistors At first glance, the color bands on resistors might seem like mere decorations. However, they serve a practical purpose—they provide important information about the resistor's value and tolerance. Engineers, technicians, and hobbyists use these color codes to quickly identify and select the appropriate resistor for their electronic circuits. Understanding Resistor Color Code: Decoding the Color Bands To decipher the information hidden within the color bands, we need to understand the resistor color code chart. The chart assigns specific colors to numbers (0-9) and multipliers. Let's break down the code and its interpretation: Band 1 (First Digit): The first color band represents the first significant digit of the resistance value. For example, a brown band corresponds to the digit 1, while a green band represents the digit 5. Band 2 (Second Digit): The second color band signifies the second significant digit of the resistance value. Each color corresponds to a specific digit, similar to the first band. Band 3 (Multiplier): The third band denotes the multiplier or the number of zeros following the first two digits. For instance, a red band represents a multiplier of 100, while an orange band signifies a multiplier of 1,000. Band 4 (Tolerance): In some cases, a fourth band indicates the tolerance level of the resistor. It represents the acceptable range within which the actual resistance value can deviate. Common tolerance colors include gold (5%), silver (10%), and brown (1%). Why Use Color Bands? The presence of color bands on resistors offers several advantages: Easy Identification: The color code system allows for swift identification of a resistor's value without the need for complex measurements or calculations. Engineers and technicians can glance at the color bands and determine the resistance value instantaneously, saving time and effort. Space Efficiency: By utilizing color bands, resistors can convey valuable information compactly and concisely. Numeric markings or lengthy labels would require more space, whereas color bands efficiently encode data while conserving precious real estate on the resistor itself. Standardization: The color code system is internationally recognized and standardized. This consistency ensures that individuals across different countries and industries can interpret resistor values accurately and efficiently. It facilitates seamless communication and reduces the likelihood of errors or misinterpretations. Accessibility: The color code system is accessible to individuals with color vision impairments as well. By employing alternative tools such as color code charts or resistor value calculators, everyone can participate in electronics and work with resistors effectively. Resistor color bands are not just there for decoration. By understanding the color code system and decoding the meaning behind the bands, engineers and hobbyists can effortlessly identify resistor values and select the appropriate components for their circuits. The color bands serve as a standardized, efficient, and space-saving method of communicating vital information about resistors, contributing to the smooth operation of electronic systems. The next time you encounter a resistor with those colorful bands, take a moment to appreciate the engineering ingenuity behind this visual encoding system, knowing that it is an indispensable tool in the world of electronics.

AC Power The term AC from an electronics standpoint does not mean air conditioning. Instead, alternating current or AC describes the flow of charge that changes direction periodically. As a result, the voltage level also reverses along with the current. This differs from direct current or DC since DC only flows in one direction. #AlternatingCurrent #DirectCurrent AC Motor Let’s take a look at a simple electric motor model, the motor is connected to a battery. When the switch is closed, the current starts to flow, and the coil becomes an electromagnet. In this case, the current is flowing anticlockwise at the top of the coil. This makes the top a north pole. This north pole is attracted to the south pole on the left. So, the top of the coil turns towards the left. Notice that the bottom of the coil is a south pole and is attracted to the magnet on the right. Once the coil gets to the upright position, there is no turning force on it because the electromagnet of the coil is lined up with the permanent magnets. If the current in the coil were constant, the coil would stop in this position. However, to keep it spinning, the commutator breaks contact in this position. So, the current stops for an instant. The momentum of the coil keeps it going and the contacts are reconnected. Figure 1: AC motor schematic diagram. Putting it all together A wind turbine turns wind energy into electricity using the aerodynamic force from the rotor blades, which work like an airplane wing or helicopter rotor blade. When wind flows across the blade, the air pressure on one side of the blade decreases. The difference in air pressure across the two sides of the blade creates both lift and drag. The force of the lift is stronger than the drag, and this causes the rotor to spin, thus generating electricity. Figure 2: Wind turbine schematic. This is just one of the many applications of AC power! #Electricity #EnergyApplications Get this kit - https://www.eimtechnology.com/products/green-electrical-energy-kit

On May 18-19, we flyed from Vancouver to Toronto to attend the TechExpo, a global conference with a focus on technology. The event brought together a diverse group of individuals, with a particular focus on technology specialists and educators. As we engaged in conversations and exchanged ideas, we were struck by the enthusiasm and curiosity of educators in harnessing the power of technology to enhance learning experiences in STEM Education. Embracing Innovation in the Classroom. One of the prevailing themes that emerged from our discussions was the need for educators to embrace innovation in the classroom. Technology is rapidly transforming various industries, and education is no exception. Teachers recognized the importance of incorporating technology tools and resources into their teaching methodologies to foster student engagement, critical thinking, and creativity. Encouraging Project based learning in STEM Education. Project-based learning emerged as a prominent theme at the conference, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering deep understanding and practical application of knowledge. Educators emphasized the benefits of engaging students in real-world projects, allowing them to explore their interests, collaborate with peers, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By encouraging project-based learning, teachers can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. Fostering Collaborative Learning Environments. The conference highlighted the shift from traditional teacher-centered classrooms to collaborative learning environments facilitated by technology. Educators recognized the value of leveraging digital tools to promote collaboration, communication, and teamwork among students. Through interactive online platforms, cloud-based document sharing, and virtual collaboration spaces, teachers encouraged active participation and knowledge sharing, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering global connections. Personalizing Learning Experiences. One-size-fits-all approaches to education are rapidly becoming outdated in the face of advancing technology. We realized the importance of personalized learning experiences, catering to individual student needs, interests, and learning styles. Attendees explored adaptive learning platforms, artificial intelligence-driven educational tools, and personalized analytics to tailor instruction and provide targeted support to students. By harnessing technology's potential, teachers can unlock the full potential of each learner and foster a lifelong love for knowledge. Professional Development and Continuous Learning. We also exchanged ideas about the significance of ongoing professional development for technology teachers. As technology rapidly evolves, educators must stay abreast of the latest trends, tools, and methodologies. The event provided valuable opportunities for networking, attending workshops, and engaging in collaborative discussions. By investing in continuous learning, teachers can enhance their instructional practices and inspire their students to become lifelong learners themselves. The event reinforced the idea that technology, when thoughtfully integrated, can revolutionize the learning experience, preparing students for the challenges of the technology-driven era. As we left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose, we were inspired by the collective dedication of educators to embrace technology's transformative power. By sharing our thoughts and reflections, we hope to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the intersection of technology and education, ultimately paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for learners worldwide. EIM Technology Products - https://www.eimtechnology.com/products

Sustainability is of utmost importance to the future of humanity on this plant. As such, students should be taught from early on about the implications of using fossil fuels as well as more sustainable choices. Electronics ed-tech, including those provided by EIM, offer a unique, affordable (and very fun!) opportunity to combine education about renewable energy and sustainability with basic circuitry. This provides students with experiential learning opportunities that they find more enjoyable than traditional textbook based learning. Below, I will provide a few snippets from our Energy Class Level 1 which has been successfully run in many academic institutions in Canada. Check our Green Electrical Energy on https://www.eimtechnology.com/products/green-electrical-energy-kit · Electricity and Light: Students can explore the history and efficiency of incandescent bulbs vs. LEDs. They can build a simple circuit that assesses the voltage drop across different colors of LEDs and bring home a LED nightlight. · Generating DC Power: Students explore two simple ways to generate electricity without using fossil fuels. They will explore how galvanic cells and solar cells function. · Generating AC Power: Wind power can be used in coastal regions and areas with high and consistent winds. Students can explore this method of energy generation by building a wind turbine model. Wind Farm Photo by Nicholas Doherty on Unsplash Please contact us to learn more about this book or to make bulk orders.

I am an STEM educator with 10+ years of experience. I have a unique background having extensive experience teaching courses ranging from post-secondary chemistry to working with students in the K-12 learning system. Outside of classroom teaching, I have spent time working on the management side of after-school teaching agencies in British Columbia. My role involved overseeing teaching teams, developing curriculum, as well as acting as a liaison between the families and instructional staff. In the last few years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with students and families originating from the Asia-Pacific Region. Another significant part of my experience involves helping newcomers navigate the educational system for their children. Immigration can be a challenging experience! The role of my office was to help explain the North American educational system to newcomers and allow them to make informed choices for the educational opportunities for their children. There are some significant differences, summarized below, between the teaching methodology utilized in Asian countries compared to those seen in North America. EIM Project kits can bridge some of these gaps! The strengths of these project kits include: · Students can learn about foundational skills in important STEM subjects while also developing critical thinking and experiential learning ability needed in North America · Learning outcomes of the kits can provide a good challenge for students helping them develop skills faster than they would at their school. · Computational and hands-on skills gained will assist students to outperform peers and score well in STEM-related testing · Parents can be involved & learn together with their children! · I encourage you to check out some of these learning materials today! https://www.eimtechnology.com/store/ Any thoughts, comments, suggestions, or just pictures of the projects being built would be much appreciated! I would love to receive them at dguan@eimtechnology.com. #education #stemlearning #immigration #asianimmigration #ChineseImmigration #AsianImmigration #ChineseEducation #WesternEducationSystem #electronics #ElectronicsEducation

In my teaching career (STEM Educator) thus far, I have seen the increasing prevalence of behavioural and attention problems stemming from overuse of video games and social media. Due to the prevalence of smart phones and tablets, I have found that students are increasingly unable to distance themselves from the screen. This leads to weaker academic performances due to reduced focus in the classroom. Overuse of social media also has many well-known adverse effects including: Poor mental health including anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem from negative comparison of lifestyles and belongings Negative behavioural influences from glamorizing questionable characters and content Decreased academic performance & social skills from lack of communication in person: A lot of my students have reported not being comfortable with meeting new classmates in person. Sleep issues due to blue light emission from device use late at night which can translate to being too tired to perform at 100% during school day. One benefit for project-based learning that EIM Technology provides is more productive use of their time outside of school rather than playing video games or scrolling social media. Our products promote STEM learning with emphasis in electronics education. Our products are compact, portable, and can be worked through in a collaborative fashion promoting valuable educational interaction. STEM Learning is beneficial in youth for a variety of reasons: Critical thinking and problem-solving skills enhanced leading to better learning outcomes (grades) at school STEM career are in high demand and are generally well paying. Learning skills at a young age will open more doors for students Students get hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that we have found to be lacking at school Enhances the part of the brain promoting innovation and creativity. Students can experiment with their ideas and develop their own solutions to problems Through collaboration and team work, students can learn to work effectively together. Additionally, the learning experience can be shared with the parents promoting a healthy attitude towards learning in the household. #youth #children #students #MentalHealth #videogameaddiction #SocialMedia #LearningOpportunity

In today's world, electronics Education are an essential part of our daily lives, from smartphones to cars and everything in between. With the increasing complexity of electronic devices, it's becoming more important than ever to have a deep understanding of how they work. However, acquiring that knowledge can be a daunting task. Fortunately, simulation tools are available that can help students and professionals alike to gain a deeper understanding of electronics. In this blog post, we will explore the power of circuit simulation tools and how they can be used to enhance electronics education. The first circuit simulation tool was developed at the Electronics Research Laboratory of the University of California, Berkeley by Laurence Nagel in 1973. It was called the Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) and used by engineers to mathematically predict the behavior of electronics circuits. Electronics became more prevalent in the use of creating circuits as a result of developing technology and the demand for electronics engineers was also growing, the development of SPICE-program experienced growing attention and popularity. Linear Technologies, one of the leading manufacturers of electronic components, offered a free, full SPICE-program named LTspice. It can be downloaded from the web without any registration procedure or fees (Mladenović,2015). The interface of LTspice, shown on the left, users need to draw a circuit in a format of schematic diagram first, shown in Figure2. After completing the drawing, users can simulate the circuit by clicking it in the top menu bar, then it will pop up a simulation window and your cursor will become a test probe. Click on any part in your schematic diagram, it will show the simulated voltage/current passed at the tested point. During the practice portion, LTspice acts more like a learning activity tool to verify the circuit before students actually perform a hands-on experiment and build a circuit on a breadboard that is a simple device designed for students to create circuits without the need for soldering. The traditional approach to teaching electronics is to combine theoretical explanations about circuits using schematics diagrams with a practical, hands-on experiment where students implement circuits in breadboards. In 2007, the open-source software called Fritzing was developed by Professor Reto Wettach, who also taught “Physical Interaction Design” at the University of Applied Sciences, in Germany (Fritzing). Unlike the traditional SPICE-program tool, Fritzing allowed users to choose a Breadboard view, schematic diagram view or Printed Circuit Board (PCB) view. In Breadboard view, Fritzing provided a rich set of generic components so the user could easily drag and drop components into Breadboard, but the simulation function is disabled by default as it is still a beta feature in Fritzing. Similar to Fritzing, TinkerCAD also has its circuit simulation function presented in a Breadboard view. TinkerCAD was founded by former Google engineer Kai Backman in 2011. From a statistics point of view, there were over 10 million designs, and more than 1 million people were using TinkerCAD in 2015. These numbers added up to 300 million designs and introduced nearly 37 million people (TinkerCAD). In terms of educators, there has not been any research dedicated to tracking the number of teachers who registered for TinkerCAD. From personal experience and informal Action Research, there seems to be a large number of educators who use TinkerCAD. TinkerCAD has the ability to create classes where students work on projects. Teachers can use its features to set up virtual classrooms, send and receive assignments, monitor student progress, and assign new activities all within online learning. The most intriguing feature is Tinker CAD’s circuit simulation function, after the users build (drag and drop) and complete the circuit, they can click ‘Start Simulation’ on the top right corner. Another exciting feature of a circuit simulation tool is called Short Circuit VR. It was developed by two graduate students: Stefan Bauwens and Cindy Ho. This VR project just launched in 2022, and it is still in a prototyping phase. Short Circuit VR is an educational sandbox game to learn electronics. It simulates electronics experiments in a VR setting which allow users to create their own projects (Figure 8). Although Short Circuit VR hasn’t been implemented in any schools, it has a great potential for people who believe that technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality can help people in many ways and provide endless possibilities in the education sector. Lastly, We hope this blog post has given you a glimpse into the world of simulation tools and their potential applications in electronics education. In the coming blogs, we will be publishing a series of blog posts that dive deeper into each of these simulation tools, exploring their feasibility and the details of how they can be used to enhance electronics education. We invite you to stay tuned and join us on this journey of discovering the power of simulation tools in electronics education. Reference Mladenović, V. (2015). Contemporary electronics with LTSpice and mathematica. In Synthesis 2015-International Scientific Conference of IT and Business-Related Research (pp. 134-138). Singidunum University. Fritzing (2007). Open-source software for documenting prototypes, learning interactive electronics and PCB production AutoDesk TinkerCAD (2021). Tinkercad and You: 2020-21 Year in Review Short Circuit VR (2018). About us

Learning Electronics has been an important field of study for several decades, and it has undergone significant changes over time. In the early days, electronics education was primarily focused on teaching students how to use electronic devices and circuits. However, with the advent of digital technology and the internet, the field has expanded to include a wide range of topics, including computer programming, digital signal processing, and robotics. One of the primary challenges of teaching electronics is keeping up with the rapidly changing technology. New devices and circuits are being developed all the time, and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest advancements. Additionally, the pace of change in the field means that textbooks and course materials can quickly become outdated. Another challenge is the cost of equipment and materials. Electronics courses often require expensive equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, and power supplies. This can make it difficult for some schools to offer comprehensive electronics education programs. Also, there is a shortage of qualified electronics teachers. Many schools struggle to find teachers with the necessary education and experience to teach electronics effectively. This shortage is compounded by the fact that many skilled electronics professionals are often more interested in working in industry than in teaching. In British Columbia, Applied Design Skills and Technologies (ADST) is a course that is offered in grades 10 to 12. It provides an adequate and peripheral overview of the concept and logistics of electronics. It also provides practical experience such as the basics of Ohm’s law to the utilization of microcontrollers. How do educators’ approach and implement the ADST curriculum? The challenge when teaching electronics is dealing with the presence of abstract and invisible attributes of electronics such as current and voltage which are traits that cannot be visibly seen. These attributes are detected by measuring them with an appropriate designated tool such as a multimeter or an oscilloscope (Touhafi et al., 2012). In this regard, the most important feature of electronics education is practical lab experience that provides hands-on activities. Traditional electronic training laboratories are limited by the use of hardware and further limited by budget, venue and teachers. Moreover, under the traditional-experimental-lab mode of learning, students solely practice in the laboratory classroom and cannot practice after class due access. These limitations drive the need to find alternatives and digital simulation tools have become one of the best solutions. According to Campbell et al. (2004), as use of simulations for circuit design becomes more common, use of simulations for learning circuit design makes sense. In education, we must also consider what tools will best support our learners' progress. As engineering simulations are used routinely, engineering education simulations are increasingly used to facilitate learning of circuit design. In next few posts, we will delve deeper into simulation tools and compare them with hands-on experiments, providing you with a more comprehensive understanding of the strengths and limitations of each method. By exploring these different approaches to electronics education, we hope to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this exciting and rapidly evolving field. Reference BC Ministry of Education. (2022). Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies 10. BC’s Curriculum. https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/adst/10/courses Touhafi, A., Braeken, A., Verbelen, Y., & Gueuning, F. (2012). Comparative Study of Electronics Visualisation Techniques for E-Learning. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 2(2), 30-36. Campbell, J. O., Bourne, J. R., Mosterman, P. J., Nahvi, M., Rassai, R., Brodersen, A. J., & Dawant, M. (2004). Cost-effective distributed learning with electronics labs. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 8(3), 5-10.

In our previous articles we emphasized the benefits of utilizing affordable and portable gadgets to equip spaces that lack advanced facilities and expert maintenance, such as small academies, school classrooms, and remote learning setups, which have limited budgets. Now let us take a closer look at the budgets planning in average schools and calculate some numbers. We use our products and tools by default. Statistically, the average classroom size in Canadian secondary schools is around 23 students per class whereas in the US this number is 25 students per class. For simplicity we count 24 students per classroom across North America. We will also make realistic assumptions that students don’t take laptops or tablets to class and there are no individual power outlets available for each bench to support the use of benchtop instruments. We also make assumptions that you want each student to have a set of gear where they all have the equal opportunity for hands-on work with trial and error process. Another benefit of having their own devices is that students can bring them home for extra-curriculum or hobby learning; you can also set up hybrid-remote workshops when needed. With some assumptions, now it comes to the budget. Budgets can vary across school districts or communities, and it's a delicate balancing act to achieve the desired outcomes within the available budget. If you are a new tech teacher looking for some ideas to build your classroom workshop, our products and educational contents may help you find a fitting solution that fits your expectations and budgets. Budget of C$2000 This means the average budget for each student is $83. With a good spending plan, this budget may still come with useful tools and kits particularly for the beginning level students. Here are some suggestions: ● The first device you do need is a multimeter, which handles a lot of testing and measurement work such as determining voltages, currents, resistances and conductivity. ● You also need some basic components such as resistors, bulbs, wires and switches, to learn the most fundamental concepts such as open/closed loop, Ohm’s law, series/parallel circuits and Watt’s Law. ● A breadboard is a great circuiting platform that gives you excellent flexibility for prototyping and testing circuits. ● You also need some jumper wires to connect components and build circuit ● Some battery holders are also needed to generate basic voltage sources Using our “Laboratory Manual to Accompany Basic Electric Circuits” as example, this budget allows each of your student start off from fundamentals and build up experiential learning with physical components and circuits. In summary, with $2000 budget plan, you can turn the classroom into a simple electronics lab that allows each student hands-on working with elementary electronics components and circuits, and here is the bill of material list: ● Digital multimeter ● Breadboard ● Elementary components (resistors, bulbs, switches) ● Jumper wires ● Battery holders However, keep in mind that dry batteries may drain off soon in classroom settings, so you will also need to consider the cost of battery replacement and disposal. Budget of C$4000 By doubling the budget to $166 for each student, it gives more flexibility that allows you to upgrade the gears and cover more in-depth topics in electronics. Here is our suggestions: ● Upgrade battery holders to MEGO breadboard power supply, which allows voltage adjustment and you do not need recycle lots of waste batteries; ● Use single core hookup wires to build neater circuits ● Include more components such as more resistors, capacitors and inductors to study complicated circuit With a more professional power supply and more components allow students investigate more sophisticated DC circuits and use experimental methods to study complex concepts such as kirchoff’s laws, circuit analysis techniques and RC circuits In summary, with a $4000 budget plan, the most important upgrade you want to make is to replace batteries with a durable breadboard power supply and add different types of components to build more complicated circuits. ● Breadboard power supply ● Digital multimeter ● Breadboard ● Intermediate components (resistors, bulbs, switches, capacitors, inductors) ● Hookup wires This option is also what we see most of our partnered schools would like to choose and think of as a good fit to the curriculum and classroom workshop management. See DC Lab solution for more product details. Budget of C$8000 With a $333 budget for each student, it is possible to set up a really good electronics lab in a classroom with our low cost and portable devices. ● Adding a function generator and an oscilloscope (Zoolark multifunctional debugger) that allows students to investigate more advanced topics in AC signals, waveform, math and physics related topics… ● Add more building-involved projects such as motor driver, solar panel, wind turbine…that gives more tangible aspects of learning ● Include more components such as more diodes, LEDs, transistors, Operational amplifiers and motors These equipment, tools and materials may cover the essential aspects of learning electronics and help students to become more prepared for future academic and career development. You not only can cover all topics in the typical contents, but also have some extra budgets for some real-life related projects such as wind generator, earthquake detector, solar panel, motor driver circuit… In summary, by doubling the budget from $4000 to $8000, you can equip students with function generators and oscilloscopes that help them discover AC related topics and microelectronics components such as semiconductors and integrated circuits. ● Function generator ● Oscilloscope ● Breadboard power supply ● Digital multimeter ● Breadboard ● Advanced components (resistors, bulbs, switches, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, Operational Amplifiers, motors) ● Hookup wires ● Five building involved hardware project kits

Hands-on learning is a critical component of education, particularly in technical fields such as electronics. It provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. In order to maximize the benefits of hands-on learning, it is important that each student has plenty of opportunities to participate in labs and projects. However, many schools may struggle with limited budgets and resources, making it challenging to provide each student with the necessary equipment and materials. Thankfully, there are affordable alternatives available, such as portable and low-cost equipment. These types of equipment, like the ones we offer, can be used to create engaging and effective hands-on learning experiences without breaking the bank. They can be easily transported between classrooms or even taken home for further practice, ensuring that each student has access to the necessary tools to succeed. EIM Technology provide portable, handy, reliable electronic testing instruments & equipment within our Electronic Supply Store Deploying affordable and portable lab equipment for technology education in online workshops, home schools, secondary schools and even colleges with limited teaching resources can be advantageous for both students and teachers. On students’ side, gaining hands-on experiences help students to develop practical skills in designing, building, and troubleshooting various technology projects, which can prepare them for future careers. Interactive and engaging learning environments created by hands-on learning with affordable equipment can also increase students' engagement in the learning process, motivating them to participate and learn more actively. From teachers and schools’ perspective, portable and low-cost equipment can enable schools to provide quality electronics education without breaking the budget. Teachers can easily customize electronics education programs based on their students' learning needs and abilities, creating a more personalized learning experience for students. These benefits can contribute to a more effective and tailor designed electronics education system. EIM technology is an EdTech company that offers products and solutions for technology education. Our affordable and portable lab equipment can help schools and academies provide quality technology education to their students. Our solutions can also improve teaching effectiveness, save time and resources, and offer customizable programs. We encourage you to browse our website resources and subscribe us for newsletters and learn more about how EIM technology can benefit your education needs.