Development of a Project-Based Arduino Learning App: Fostering Robotics Programming Competence among Preservice Teachers of Computer and Robotics Education

The integration of digital technology into various sectors has transformed education globally, yet its adoption in Nigeria remains constrained by a lack of adequately trained personnel. This study addresses this gap by developing a Project-Based Arduino Robot Application (PARA) for teaching Robotics Programming to preservice teachers. A Research and Development (R&D) design was employed, and data were collected from 35 participants drawn from the Department of Computer and Robotics Education and the ICT Centre at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, using a total sampling technique. Three validated instruments were used: the Robotics Programming Needs Assessment Questionnaire (RPNEQ), PARA Expert Validation Questionnaire (PEVQ), and PARA User Satisfaction Scale (PUSC), with reliability coefficients of 0.87, 0.84, and 0.88, respectively. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and one-sample t-test. The results showed that effective strategies for teaching and learning programming include hands-on approaches, programming with tangible robotics kits that make learning engaging, using instructional videos, employing simple robotics projects that clarify control structures, and fostering teamwork in programming classes. Based on these findings, PARA was developed as a practical solution. Both experts and users expressed high levels of satisfaction with its design, usability, and educational impact. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education collaborates with schools to adopt project-based Arduino robot applications like PARA to enhance programming education, leveraging its benefits to improve learning outcomes.