Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Desk Learning Aid Device |
Aidan Johnston Conan Pan Ethan Ge |
Kaiwen Cao | proposal1.pdf |
|
| # Desk Learning Aid Device Team Members: - Conan Pan (cpan23) - Aidan Johnston (aidanyj2) - Ethan Ge (ethange2) # Problem As a result of ongoing technological growth and the Covid pandemic, there has been a shift in recent years to integrate technology into the classroom via computers, devices, and virtual learning. However, this shift has generated further problems, specifically in elementary school classrooms. Problems we have noticed include young children spending more time on screens, less time socializing, and being far more disruptive. These trends contribute to a less effective and unhealthy learning environment. In the pursuit of generating a more social, engaging, and nurturing environment for young students we propose the desk learning aid device. # Solution The desk learning aid device will function through various buttons connected to a customized PCB device. Buttons will correspond to responding to polls/questions, comprehension checks, asking questions, and more. The device will communicate to an application that can be monitored by the teacher where they will receive real-time feedback. The teacher can have a better understanding of the student’s comprehension levels and be able to properly cater towards providing the students the most effective lesson. The purpose of this device would be to provide a cost-effective solution that can be set up at each student’s desk to promote a holistically better learning environment for students. This differs from other options on the market due to easier set up because other options require you to create a question in order to receive a response, however, our device allows for many passive inputs including comprehension and other urgent needs. In addition, other portable solutions require students to buy each device individually costing them hundreds of dollars, but our solution only requires the purchase of a reusable RFID keycard that is cheap and easy to use. # Solution Components ## Input Subsystem This subsystem will include response (EVQ-P7K01P (Panasonic)) buttons for comprehension checks, request for assistance buttons, feedback buttons, and mental/emotional health check-in buttons. These buttons will be labeled accordingly so that student interaction with the device is simplified. The advantage with having a variety of buttons is to enable teachers to have as little interaction with the app as possible. In addition, this subsystem will include a scroller (Bourns PTL30 Series (PTL30-15O0F-B103)) that will enable students to adjust in real-time how they are feeling throughout the day. ## Interface Subsystem (SSD1306 0.96" OLED Display (I²C)) This subsystem will include a basic interface that serves several purposes: Will display the user’s name once the user check’s in thus verifying the check-in. Will display a range of emotions that students can select via their scroller. Will display the answer choice selected by the user for comprehension checks. ## Microcontroller Subsystem The ESP 32 S3 Microcontroller is programmed with firmware to recognize button inputs and process them according to whether a question has been asked. Transmit student data to the mobile app run by the teacher. ## Mobile Application The mobile application subsystem serves as the teacher’s interface to monitor student responses, track participation, and adjust lesson pacing in real time. The app receives data from student devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, displaying responses in a structured and visual manner. The teacher can view class-wide comprehension trends, see which students need help, and manage classroom activities such as quizzes and polls. It would also receive data from the RFID/NFC keycard subsystem and store data for each student’s participation, attendance, and comprehension. Components: Frontend UI: Built using React Displays real-time responses, feedback, and participation data. Backend & Communication: Firebase Realtime Database to handle instant message transmission. Secure BLE/Wi-Fi communication with ESP32 devices. Data Processing & Visualization: Aggregates student responses for charts, graphs, and heatmaps. Uses D3.js or Chart.js for real-time visualization of classroom engagement. Authentication & Security: Teachers log in with Google OAuth or school credentials. ## Power subsystem The 103454 LiPo rechargeable battery system will be used to power the device. Ideally, we’d like to also make the system as efficient as possible as to ensure that it doesn’t need frequent recharging. This battery system is preferred over wired power due to the installation and cable management that comes with wired power. Furthermore, desks are constantly moving in a classroom, whether that be re-arranging seats or during seasonal cleans, thus further highlighting the advantage of the battery system. ## RFID/NFC (Keycard) subsystem The RFID/NFC subsystem allows students to log in quickly and anonymously using keycards without the need for manual name entry or personal devices. This ensures a seamless and low-disruption way to track participation, attendance, and response data. By tapping their RFID or NFC card on their desk device, students authenticate themselves before answering questions or engaging in activities. This enables teachers to monitor individual engagement and performance trends without requiring students to use personal logins. Components RFID/NFC Reader Function: Reads the keycard’s unique ID Part: RC522 NFC Module (SPI-based) RFID Key Cards Function: Unique identifier for each student Part: MIFARE 13.56 MHz RFID Cards # Criterion For Success The PCB device accurately registers button presses and sends the data to the mobile application. The mobile application receives user(s) data from the microcontroller and stores/analyzes trends in the data for classroom comprehension for specific topics. The keycard correctly signs the user into the “classroom” that the device belongs to. The entire system remains functional throughout an entire school day. The button design is clear and simple for students to interact with. The desk learning aid device integrates smoothly into the existing classroom format - without adding substantial work for students and especially teachers. |
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