CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY CARIG CAMPUS

Development and Evaluation of Electronics Trainer Board

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering 3B

Wilfred Amador
Frendick Legaspi
Denver Calucag

INSTRUCTOR:
Engr. Christopher Capili
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Today, we live in a world where electronics play an important role in nearly every area of our lives,
influencing not only how we communicate, but also how we learn, work, and interact with our surroundings.
From smartphones in our pockets to smart appliances in our homes, the rapid increase of electronic devices
has altered our daily lives. Understanding basic electronics principles has never been more important in
education, especially in programs such as Electronics Engineering. Despite the growing relevance of
electronics in our culture, many students struggle to grasp fundamental ideas because they lack access to
effective and engaging learning tools.

Traditional trainer boards, which serve as fundamental teaching aids in electronics education, often
fall short in meeting the needs of modern learners. These boards are typically custom-made for specific
applications, resulting in high costs when purchased individually, thus limiting accessibility for many
educational institutions. Furthermore, the lack of interactivity in conventional trainer boards restricts
students’ ability to engage in hands-on experimentation, essential for mastering complex topics. The rigidity
of these boards means they are often not designed for large group-based learning, hindering instructors'
ability to scale lessons for larger classes and diminishing the overall educational experience. Additionally,
when malfunctions occur, instructors often face the frustration of troubleshooting non-modular equipment,
which consumes valuable teaching time and detracts from students' learning opportunities.

Recognizing these pressing issues at Cagayan State University, the research aims to develop and
evaluate an innovative interactive Basic Electronics Trainer Board specifically designed for first-year
Electronics Engineering students. By creating a versatile and modular learning tool, the project seeks to
enhance students' understanding of fundamental electronics principles while providing them with essential
hands-on experience. The study will involve the design and development of the trainer board, followed by
a rigorous testing phase to ensure its functionality in practical electronics circuits. Importantly, the research
will also evaluate the effectiveness of the developed trainer board in promoting student engagement,
understanding, and retention of key electronics concepts.

In addressing the shortcomings of conventional trainer boards, the research aspires to revolutionize
the teaching and learning of basic electronics. By fostering an engaging and practical learning environment,
the interactive trainer board aims not only to improve educational outcomes for students but also to better
prepare them for the demands of the electronics industry. As the need for skilled manpower in various
sectors continues to rise—serving as assemblers, installers, repair and maintenance workers, and specialists
in electronic products—this research is timely and essential. Ultimately, by enhancing the quality of
electronics education at Cagayan State University, we can contribute to the development of a well-equipped
workforce ready to tackle the challenges of a technology-driven future.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In today’s world, electronics have become an integral part of nearly every aspect of our daily
lives, mastering basic electronics principles has become essential, particularly in programs like Electronics
Engineering. However, many first-year students at Cagayan State University struggle to fully grasp these
concepts due to the limitations of traditional teaching tools. Conventional trainer boards, widely used as
teaching aids, often lack interactivity, versatility, and scalability. They are typically custom-built for
specific applications, resulting in high costs and limited accessibility for educational institutions. The static
nature of these boards restricts students’ ability to engage in hands-on learning, which is crucial for
understanding complex topics.

Moreover, these boards are not well-suited for large group learning, and when malfunctions occur,
instructors face time-consuming troubleshooting processes. These issues hinder both the teaching process
and students' learning experiences. As electronics continue to influence various sectors and drive the
demand for skilled professionals, the need for effective educational tools is more urgent than ever.

This research seeks to address these challenges. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following
questions:

1. How can we address the lack of practical experience among freshman electronics engineering stu
dents, who struggle to grasp complex circuit concepts?

2. What measures can be taken to improve the accessibility of affordable and comprehensive trainin
g tools that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in electronics?

3. How can we enhance student engagement and interest in learning fundamental electronics concep
ts through innovative teaching methods?

4. In what ways can we develop training tools that align with the curriculum and learning outcomes
of freshman electronics engineering courses?

1.3 Objectives

Main Objective: To develop an interactive and user-friendly electronics trainer board that enhances the
practical skills and theoretical understanding of first-year electronics engineering students.

Specific Objectives:
1. To design and construct a trainer board with electronic components and modules suitable for
beginner-level experiments;
2. To create comprehensive, hands-on learning modules and instructional materials that align with
the first year curriculum;
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of the trainer board in improving students' practical skills and
knowledge retention through testing and students’ feedback.

1.4 Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

• Resistors • Design and • Electronics Trainer Board

• Capacitors Development • LCD Displays Voltage and
• Diodes • Testing and Current Readings
• Transistors Evaluation • OLED Displays Oscillating
o Bipolar Junction Output
Transistors • LED lights
o Field-Effect • Evaluation Reports
Transistors
• Power Supply
 • Voltage Regulator
• Converter
• Microcontrollers
• LEDs
• Connectors
• Instructional Materials

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of an electronics trainer
board designed specifically for first-year students taking Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering at
Cagayan State University - Carig Campus. The study will involve structured laboratory activities,
assessments of student performance, and evaluations of the trainer board's effectiveness in facilitating
hands-on learning. The study is limited when it comes with resources, such as the availability of electronic
components and materials, as well as time limits, as it is conducted within a certain academic year.
The study focuses primarily on the first-year curriculum and does not cover more advanced or
specialized topics. The evaluation will be based on a small sample size of first-year students, which may
affect the generalizability of the findings.

1.6 Hypothesis of the Study

The study operates under several key assumptions. First, it assumes that the comprehensive trainer
board will effectively facilitate hands-on learning, enhancing students' understanding of fundamental
electronics concepts. Second, it is assumed that students will exhibit increased engagement and motivation
when using the trainer board during laboratory sessions. Additionally, the study assumes that students
utilizing the trainer board will demonstrate improved practical skills in circuit design and troubleshooting
compared to those who do not use it. Lastly, it is assumed that the trainer board will accommodate various
learning styles, allowing all students to grasp complex electronic principles effectively.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

The use of an interactive trainer board significantly enhances the understanding of fundamental
electronics concepts, increases engagement levels, improves practical skills acquisition, and leads to better
academic performance among first-year electronics engineering students compared to those who do not use
the trainer board.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

There is no significant difference in the understanding of fundamental electronics concepts,
engagement levels, practical skills acquisition, and academic performance between first-year electronics
engineering students who use the comprehensive trainer board and those who do not.

1.7 Significance of the Study

First-year Students. Students gain essential skills in understanding how basic electronic components work
and with hands-on experience, they can boost their confidence and interest in the field of electronics.

Professors/Instructors. Professors and instructors can use the trainer board as a teaching tool to
demonstrate electronic concepts in a practical and engaging way.
Institution. A hands-on, practical approach to learning can attract students that are interested in a
comprehensive and engaging electronics engineering program.

Future Researchers: Researchers and academics interested in engineering education will find this study
significant as it contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field. It offers a foundation for future
research focused on improving teaching and learning methodologies in electronics and related disciplines.

Parents and Guardians: Families of students will appreciate the increased focus on effective learning
tools that enhance their children's education, potentially leading to better academic performance and career
readiness.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Basic Electronics Trainer Board: An educational tool designed to facilitate hands-on learning of
fundamental electronics principles, incorporating various electronic components and modules for
experimentation and skill development.

Modular Learning Tool: An educational resource designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for
various configurations and applications to support diverse learning activities and objectives.

Curriculum Alignment: The process of ensuring that educational materials and activities are consistent
with the learning objectives and standards set forth in an academic program, promoting effective teaching
and learning outcomes.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A study conducted by Benatiro and Cañete (2023) addresses the need for affordable and accessible
practical learning tools for computer engineering students by developing a portable electronics trainer kit
known as the "Lab in a Box." The research follows a descriptive developmental design and involves phases
of design, prototyping, user testing, and refinement. Through user feedback, pre- and post-tests, and focus
group discussions, the study evaluates the effectiveness of the trainer kit in enhancing students' practical
skills and theoretical understanding. The findings highlight the significance of user-friendly, hands-on
educational tools in improving the learning experience and aligning with curriculum requirements.

Mohammad et al. (2019) focused on the development of an electronic educational simulator and
quiz kit designed to teach logic gate combinational circuits using Arduino as the application platform. The
research aims to supplement conventional teaching methods by providing a hands-on learning tool that
allows students to interact with and understand logic circuits more effectively. The kit includes various
components and modules that simulate logic gates and combinational circuits, enabling students to build
and test their own circuits. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the kit through user testing and feedback,
highlighting its potential to enhance students' understanding of digital electronics.

In their feasibility study, Purnamawati et al. (2021) explored the use of sensor and transducer
trainers as effective learning media for electronics engineering students, highlighting the practical benefits
and educational impact of such tools. Similarly, Cubangbang et al. (2024) conducted a study on the
development and evaluation of a basic electronics trainer, emphasizing its significance in improving the
hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge of students in the Industrial Technology program at the College
of Engineering Architecture and Technology, Isabela State University-City of Ilagan Campus, Philippines.
Both studies underscore the value of practical training tools in enhancing the educational experience of
electronics engineering students.

In their respective studies, Sapijaszko and Sapijaszko (2004) developed an innovative electronics
laboratory system for both on-campus and distance learning applications, utilizing a custom-built trainer
board and National Instruments' NI ELVIS1 suite. Ekwunife et al. (2022) designed a microcontroller
development kit to enhance STEM education, incorporating components like ATMEGA382
microcontrollers and GSM modules. Similarly, Hamid et al. (2020) developed a cooperative learning-based
electric circuit kit trainer to improve basic electrical and electronics practice. All three studies emphasize
the integration of practical, hands-on learning tools to enhance students' understanding and engagement in
electronics, aligning closely with our study's goal of developing an effective electronics trainer board.
 Chapter 3
Methodology
3.1 Research Design
The research follows a descriptive research design. This involves both the design and
implementation stages of the electronics trainer board, as well as the evaluation of its effectiveness in
improving freshman students' practical skills and theoretical understanding.
3.2 Data Gathering Procedure
The data gathering procedure for this study involves several steps to ensure a comprehensive
evaluation of the electronics trainer board. First, a literature review is conducted to identify the specific
requirements for the trainer board. This is followed by the design and development phase, where an initial
prototype is created. Pilot testing is then performed with a small group of first-year students who are taking
Electronics 1, during which feedback is collected through surveys, interviews, and observations. This
feedback is analyzed to identify areas for improvement. Tests are administered to assess the impact of the
trainer board on students' knowledge and skills. Focus group discussions with students and feedback from
faculty provide additional insights. Finally, all data is analyzed, and the trainer board is finalized based on
the findings to produce a final version that effectively enhances students' practical skills and theoretical
understanding.
3.3 Overview of the Study

CAPACITORS DIODES

POWER VOLTAGE
SUPPLY REGULATION

TRANSISTORS (BJT,
RESISTORS
MOSFET, JFET)

Figure 3.1 Block Diagram of the Electronics Training Board

The development process begins with a review of existing educational tools. An initial prototype
of the trainer board is then designed and constructed, incorporating essential electronic components such
as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors (BJT, MOSFET, JFET). User testing is conducted with a
small group of first-year students, using surveys, interviews, and observations to collect feedback on the
board's usability and effectiveness. This feedback is analyzed to further polish the trainer board and
associated instructional materials. The final version of the trainer board is evaluated through tests, focus
groups, and faculty feedback to measure its impact on students' practical skills and knowledge retention.
 3.4 Flowchart

Power On

User Input

Circuit Operation

Observation and
Testing

Record Results

Power Off
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